Dionne Bennett: POWER UP Industry Professional
Bio: Dionne Bennett is a Black Welsh vocalist, creative producer and cultural leader from Cardiff, creating bold spaces for Black music, culture and emerging talent across Wales. As Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Tân Cerdd CIC, Dionne has become a driving force behind a new wave of artist-led programming that champions neo-soul, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, funk and alternative Black music culture through live events, mentorship, collaboration and creative development. A powerful live performer and experienced vocal educator, Dionne’s work bridges grassroots community engagement with professional music industry development. Through Tân Cerdd, she has produced showcases, symposiums, jam sessions and festivals in partnership with organisations including Black Lives in Music, Focus Wales, Brecon Jazz Festival, Chapter Arts Centre and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.Her work is rooted in creating genuine opportunity, visibility and long-term infrastructure for Black and diverse artists in Wales, while challenging inequity within the arts sector through collaboration, advocacy and cultural leadership. Alongside her creative work, Dionne is a vocal lecturer, mentor and anti-racist advocate. In 2024, she received the Black History Wales 365 Community Award for Race Equality, Inclusion and Music in recognition of her contribution to Welsh culture and community.
Concise Description of activity: Expanding Tân Cerdd’s artist development, live programming and Black music infrastructure to create lasting opportunties for emerging artists and Black women in Wales and beyond