A small but mighty dance organisation from North Wales is on the shortlist for one of the UK’s most prestigious diversity awards, alongside such household names as Sir Elton John, Emma Watson and Sir Lenny Henry.
Creu 30 Mwy
The nomination recognises the club’s Creu 30 Mwy (Create 30 More) project. The project celebrated the organisation’s 30th anniversary in 2025 through a programme of weekly inclusive dance sessions for people with additional needs. The project also included workshops with internationally renowned disabled artist Marc Brew and training with audio describers. It also featured North Wales’ first inclusive dance festival, delivered in partnership with Dawns i Bawb, Dance Collective and Humans Move.
The Diversity Awards will announce the winners at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Park Lane, London, on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
Uma O’Neil
Uma O’Neill, Artistic Director of WISP Dance Club, said, “It is a thrill and honour to be on the shortlist alongside so many incredible organisations and high-profile names. For a small organisation with no regular funding to have recognition at this level is truly humbling.
“This nomination highlights the transformative power of the arts. It also shows the potential of people with additional needs that we see unlocked every day through inclusive dance.”
She added, “This recognition comes at an important time for us as we work towards becoming a registered charity and securing sponsorship to take our work to the next level. We want to continue breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes to build stronger communities.”
“A More Independent Life”
One parent whose daughter has been a WISP member for 10 years said, “My daughter started in the youth dance group and is now in the adult group. The journey she has been on is incredible. When she began, she couldn’t tolerate touch or speak in a group. Now she links physically with other dancers, takes part in performances and lives a far more independent life.”
Cher Mather founded WISP, which stands for “Where Inclusivity Stimulates Possibility”, in 1995. She recognised the lack of creative opportunities for people with additional needs in North Wales. The organisation is now led by her daughter, Uma O’Neill, who has dedicated her career to expanding inclusive dance provision.
The National Lottery Community Fund and the Arts Council of Wales have funded the Creu 30 Mwy project. The nomination came just ahead of Welsh Charities Week. The week ran from 9 to 13 February 2026 and celebrated the impact of charities across the country.
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