Reflecting on Inclusion in Practice: CPD Sessions with Bea Udeh

On Friday 16th May at City Arts in Nottingham, we were proud to welcome Bea Udeh to lead the first of two professional development sessions exploring inclusive practice in the creative arts. The training, held in Nottingham, brought together artists, educators, facilitators, and community practitioners for a morning of shared learning, reflective discussion, and reimagining what inclusion can truly look like in practice.

Bea, a celebrated facilitator and creative consultant with a long-standing commitment to justice and equity in the arts, guided us through a series of provocations, questions, and activities that helped the group think deeply about how inclusion is approached – not just in principle, but in daily action.

The first session invited participants to reflect on:

  • What inclusion feels like, and how it can shift depending on context

  • The invisible barriers that exist in creative and educational spaces

  • How to move beyond tick-box approaches to equity, and truly embed inclusive practice

  • The importance of self-reflection and being aware of one’s own position in a space

  • Who we create for, and who is missing from the conversation

With Bea’s thoughtful guidance, the room became a space of curiosity, challenge, and warmth — where people were invited to listen, share openly, and be honest about where they are on their inclusion journey.

A Continuing Conversation

This session was the first of two – and we’re already looking forward to welcoming Bea back for Part 2, where we’ll build on what was uncovered and begin shaping practical steps for inclusive delivery.

Participants described the session as grounding, eye-opening, and generous, with many saying it gave them new clarity and confidence about how to show up more consciously in their work with communities.

Why It Matters

Inclusion isn’t just about access, it’s about belonging, representation, and the ability for people to see themselves, their culture, and their needs reflected and respected in creative spaces.

Training sessions like this give practitioners the opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow. They remind us that creating truly inclusive spaces is not just a goal , but also a a process, one we all have a role in shaping.

Stay Connected

To find out more about upcoming sessions, including Part 2 with Bea Udeh, or to explore other professional opportunities, contact us.

Together, we’re learning how to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcome, not just in theory, but in every beat, step, and word we share.

Bea Udeh beginning her first CPD session for BeatFeet exploring Inclusivity Practice for Creatives

Collaborative exercises at Bea Udeh’s CPD training in Nottingham with BeatFeet. Supported by Arts Council England

Inspiring discussions at Bea Udeh’s first training session with BeatFeet in Nottingham exploring inclusion and identities

CPD with Bea Udeh in Nottingham - Inclusivity Practice Training for Creatives

Exploring unconscious bias in Nottingham with Bea Udeh’s training sessions exploring Inclusion and Identities

Judith Winwood