About Viki

I’m Viki Browne, an Artistic Director, theatre director, dramaturg, convenor, facilitator, trainer and mentor working in performance, arts & health and organisational development. For over 13 years, I’ve worked with artists, communities, organisations and groups to develop creative co-created or participatory work, strengthen collaboration and create spaces for reflection and learning. I work with communities, artists, schools, universities, charities, youth groups, cultural organisations and local councils.  I’m particularly experienced in working with people experiencing mental ill health and with neurodivergent communities.

Many Minds

I’m Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Many Minds, a Bristol-based member- lead mental health and performance charity founded in 2017. Many minds explores ‘outsider performance’: questioning whose stories, bodies, experiences and creative contributions are valued within the arts, and how performance made by non-professional artists and communities is understood and presented. I have directed and facilitated the co-creation of 23+ devised participatory performances, working with people who might not otherwise have access to the arts because of their mental ill health. Many Minds’ work has been presented at venues including Bristol Old Vic, City Hall, the RWA and the Wardrobe Theatre. I have also trained and mentored Many Minds members in facilitation and leadership, supporting them to develop their own creative groups, and practices. In 2022, I co-created and directed Same Storm Same Sky, an original musical developed with over 150 community participants and presented by a 50-strong community cast on the main stage of Bristol Old Vic. In 2019, Many Minds received a VOSCUR Award for its partnership work.

Artistic practice

Alongside my work with Many Minds, I maintain an independent artistic practice as a theatre director, dramaturg and multidisciplinary performance maker.  I’m interested in the relationship between performance and participation, and in what happens when audiences are invited to become active contributors to the work. My practice often brings together theatre, live art, film, music, dance and installation, creating multidisciplinary and multi-sensory experiences. My artistic work is rooted in collaboration, curiosity and a belief that performance can create meaningful encounters between people. I’m interested in the live relationship between performer and audience, and in the ways that making and experiencing art together can challenge assumptions, create connection and open up new possibilities.

What I offer

Directing, Dramaturgy & Outside Eye

Project-based support for artists and companies making performance, from developing ideas and dramaturgy through to rehearsal and staging.

Facilitation & Convening

Facilitating groups and organisations to explore ideas, navigate complexity, develop shared purpose and identify practical ways forward. This includes visioning, organisational development, board away days, staff wellbeing sessions, peer supervision and training on collaboration.

Training & Lecturing

Training artists, facilitators and practitioners in participatory and community arts, arts & health, supporting mental health and neurodivergence in group settings, safeguarding, accessibility and inclusive facilitation.

Peer Supervision & Reflective Practice

Structured spaces for artists, facilitators and group leaders to reflect on challenges, share experience, learn from one another and develop practical approaches to their work.

1:1 Mentoring & Access Support

Artistic, professional and access mentoring for artists and practitioners, alongside practical support with creative projects, planning, organisation and getting things done.

Access, Participation & Community Arts Consultancy

Supporting organisations, venues and artists to think practically about setting up or running arts and health groups including accessibility, participation, mental health and neurodivergence, and how these considerations shape creative processes. I believe creativity is innate in all of us. In difficult times, we turn to creativity and artistic expression to make sense of the world, connect with others and find ways through. Creativity is not a luxury or something reserved for professional artists: it is a resource we all have, connected to our wellbeing, resilience and survival. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for people to create together,  building personal and collective resilience.   I’m based in Bristol and work locally and further afield. If you’re looking for a convenor, facilitator, director, dramaturg, trainer, mentor or access support — or would like to discuss a collaborative project — please get in touch. Many Minds: many-minds.org Email: vbrowne@live.co.uk