Ever wondered how arts organisations support parents? We’re delving deep into this topic which affects us all. Whether you plan on having a family, already have children or work with colleagues who do, we’re all invested in parents and families in some way. As issues of female choice and empowerment continue to occupy a prominent place in our media, and as questions are raised around the low take-up of Shared Parental Leave, our panel will discuss the positive changes that we can implement to make parenting in the arts viable for all!

Joining us for this topical panel event are James Clutton, Director of Opera at Opera Holland Park, Kitty Whately, acclaimed Mezzo-Soprano and Co-Founder of SWAP'ra, a charitable organisation of opera professionals that have come together to support parents and families in the industry and Anna Enhold-Danailov, Co-Founder of PIPA, Parents and Carers in Performing Arts.

James Clutton is the Director of Opera and Joint Chief Executive of Opera Holland Park. He has worked as an independent producer: of plays, musicals and opera. He has worked for Bill Kenwright Ltd and has been responsible for producing and casting in the West End, national tours and since 2000 as a producer of Opera Holland Park – London’s premier summer opera festival. In his 17 years at the company James has developed OHP’s foundations on the quality and consistency of its artistic output. James has responsibility at OHP for choosing repertoire, creative teams, principal singers, chorus, and the Inspire project (OHP’s outreach and education work).

Kitty Whately (mezzo soprano) trained at the RCM and GSMD. She was winner of the Kathleen Ferrier Award and the Royal Overseas League, and a BBC New Generation Artist. She performs regularly for the main opera companies and recital festivals in the UK and abroad. She has been a mother for her entire professional career, and feels that there are a great many opportunities for positive change within the opera industry. She is keen to explore ways in which the opera world could be more inclusive of women, and accessible to people with dependents.