Daisi to Close After 31 Years of Creative Work with Children and Young People
It is with deep sadness that the Board of Trustees announces that Daisi will close at the end of March 2026.
For over 30 years, Daisi has been committed to ensuring that children and young people across Devon and Torbay – particularly those who face barriers to accessing the arts – have opportunities to create, imagine, and express themselves.
We are incredibly proud of the artists, educators, partners, and communities who have shaped this work and enabled thousands of young people to experience the joy and confidence that creative engagement can bring.
This decision has been reached after careful consideration. Despite the dedication of our staff team and trustees, the continuing shift in the funding landscape has made it impossible for us to secure the long-term financial stability the organisation needs to continue its work. The trustees are now overseeing a planned and responsible wind-down of operations.
Please see our FAQ section for more information.
To everyone who has supported Daisi over the years – artists, schools, funders, young people, families, and community partners – thank you. Your belief in the power of the arts has made a genuine difference to young lives across our region.
While Daisi will be closing, the impact of the work we have achieved together will continue to benefit children, young people, and local communities. We hope that, alongside us, you will continue to champion arts provision in Devon and Torbay.
Liz Hill, Director of Daisi for over 20 years, has shared her thoughts on the charity’s journey and legacy: Read Liz’s Statement.
Daisi is a leading arts education charity working throughout Devon, Torbay, and beyond.
Our mission is to create and promote inspiring creative and cultural experiences that enable more children and young people, especially those from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds, to access and enjoy the arts.
Daisi runs an ongoing programme of artist-led workshops in schools, non-formal education settings, and communities. At the heart of all Daisi projects lies partnership, quality, and reflective learning.
Our vision is a world where all young people can develop their full potential through engagement in the creative arts, fostering life skills, self-belief, mental health and wellbeing, community participation, and personal fulfilment.
Daisi in Schools
For Students
By bringing an artist into your school, you offer your learners a window into another world. Artists bring an array of creativity, an inspirational role model, a break in the school’s rhythms of work and the ability to elicit results that the least confident child can share with pride.
There are a range of ways to bring an artist into your school. Follow the links below to find out more.
For Teachers
Daisi offers diverse, creative and engaging teacher development workshops led by experienced and professional artists. These range from full day or twilight sessions for your whole staff team to online programmes for individuals alongside teachers from across Devon and Torbay.
All our Teacher Development programmes support your creative journey as a teacher, empowering you to inspire and nurture creativity in your students. This is balanced with activities and knowledge that enable you to teach the practical skills at the core of the National Curriculum, from the youngest age groups until leaving education.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator, artist, or part of a like-minded organisation, we’d love to keep in touch.
Join our mailing list to hear about the creative work Daisi is doing with children and young people — and discover how you can get involved.
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Children & Young People
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Artists & Practitioners
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Collaborative Partnerships
