Meet Our Summer 2025 Artist in Development
2025 May 13We’re thrilled to welcome the extraordinary Dr. Prathiba Batley as our Artist in Development for Summer 2025.
Each season, we support an artist or company with time, space and expert guidance - giving them the freedom to explore, experiment and grow. Whether they’re shaping the first spark of an idea, refining a work-in-progress, or gearing up for something ready to share, we meet artists where they are.
Dr. Prathiba Batley
Based here in Kirklees, Dr. Prathiba Batley is a globally recognised Bharatanatyam dancer, celebrated for her fresh and powerful take on this 2,200-year-old South Indian classical dance form.
A three-time Indian National Champion, she has performed worldwide and was awarded the prestigious Dance/USA Fellowship from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for using dance to address social justice issues.
Prathiba’s work blends deep-rooted tradition with modern ideas to make the artform more inclusive, socially relevant and accessible to all.
After her early training in India, Prathiba spent 23 years in the United States, where she founded and led Eyakkam Dance Company. Through its performances, the company helped raise over $2.2 million for charitable causes.
With family roots in Yorkshire, Prathiba has recently moved to Kirklees and brings a wealth of experience, creativity and community spirit to Lawrence Batley Theatre through our Artist in Development programme.
Olivia Race, Head of Creative Programme at Lawrence Batley Theatre, said:
“We’re thrilled to have launched our new Artists in Development programme, bringing together the many ways we support and champion local talent. We’re especially excited to be working with dance artist Prathiba Batley for Summer 2025, and I can’t wait to see how her work evolves over the coming year.”
There’s no expectation of a final product. Just support, encouragement and the breathing space to think big. Find out more about our Artists in Development programme and how to get involved here.
Why supporting new talent matters
We’re proud to champion local talent and are passionate about giving these artists the time and space they need to grow Our Artist in Development programme is just one way we invest in emerging talent, celebrate new voices and keep the arts thriving in our community.
Last year, we provided the equivalent of £41,421 of free space – over 1,400 hours – to support artists in developing groundbreaking new work.
With your help, we can go further: offering more rehearsal space, backing fresh commissions, and creating meaningful ways for artists to connect with local communities.
If you believe in the power of new stories and fresh perspectives, please consider donating today. Together, we can help the next generation of bold, northern talent take centre stage.
