Our Values: The Four Pillars of Out There Together
ARTS
We value creative expression as a vehicle for change
We platform LGBTQIA+ artists, support fair pay, and emerging and underrepresented talent that
pushes boundaries
1
CULTURE
We celebrate queer culture in all its fabulous, resilient and radical forms
We run a diverse annual festival and events year-round that reflect lived queer experience
2
COMMUNITY
We believe in mutual care, co-creation, and safe(r) spaces
We work with volunteers and local community groups to shape our work from the ground up
3
ADVOCACY
We challenge injustice and champion inclusion through everything we do
Every project champions access, fairness, and representation — tackling isolation, discrimination, and inequality
4
About Us
OUT THERE TOGETHER CIC
Amplifying LGBTQIA+ arts, celebrating queer culture, strengthening community, championing advocacy
Out There Together CIC is a community-powered arts and culture organisation rooted in queer joy, creative expression, and collective care. Born in Exeter and now reaching beyond, we’re on a mission to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices, build inclusive creative spaces, and drive meaningful cultural change across the Southwest and beyond.
We curate powerful experiences — from fringe theatre and film screenings to youth days, open mics and club nights — that invite connection, visibility, and celebration. Our work is intersectional, collaborative, and unapologetically queer. Through everything we deliver, we centre our four core pillars.
OUR STORY
Founded as Out There Exeter, we emerged during a time of loss and growing hostility — when safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people were disappearing. In 2024, we launched Out There Queer Fest — a new kind of festival that
would put queer culture centre stage in Exeter's cultural life.
Following our award-winning debut, we rebranded to Out There Together CIC — a name that better reflects who we are now: a community-led, constituted social enterprise with ambition, local impact, and collective values at our core.
We actively support local LGBTQIA+ culture and events through our newsletter, socials, and events page, helping shine a light on grassroots creativity across the region. We also administrate Exeter’s largest online queer community spaces through a Facebook group and WhatsApp community — building connections that reduce isolation and keep people plugged into local opportunities. Everything we do is about helping people feel a little more out there, together.
We’re also proud to work in collaboration with Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Library, Exeter City of Literature, Intercom Trust, Exeter Pride, and many more incredible partners. Together, we deliver events that are accessible, joyful, and powerful — rooted in solidarity and always evolving with our communities.
MEET THE TEAM
Co-Director
As Co-Director, Wayne leads on production, strategic partnerships, and creative direction. Wayne is passionate about giving back to the Exeter community, which he has proudly been part of since coming out in 1999. Being neurodivergent, he feels passionate about driving initiatives that strengthen representation and community. Wayne has worked in the arts for over 20 years has built a robust career working across finance, recruitment, large-scale transformation programmes, and EDI development, bringing strong skills in account management, business operations, project management, and strategic planning.
Quotes - “The best gift you can give is your time.” “If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough.”
Creative Arts Project Lead
Lisa Brooks
(She/Her)
As a Creative Arts Project Lead, Lisa supports the delivery of arts and cultural programmes. Lisa worked in the HIV sector in the 1990s, developing HIV Awareness training & Valuing Diversity strategies for public sector employees. She has organised World Aids Day events and collaborated with Manchester Pride working in Manchester’s Gay Village. Lisa shares Out There’s vision of creating community and celebrating inclusivity, and has a passion for safe spaces that celebrate diversity and art as tools of expression and wellbeing. Any spare time she has is spent making art, walking her dogs and managing a small woodland. She loves shiny things, dancing and travelling.
Co-Director
As Co-Director, Wayne leads on Business, Finance, and Governance. Wayne is passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and helping local venues thrive through inclusive events and collaborations. With a strong background in management and business ownership through Cleanial Ltd, Wayne brings valuable experience in organisation, growth, and community engagement. His focus is on creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can connect, celebrate, and feel part of something bigger across Exeter and beyond.
Quotes - “Connection is where real change begins.” “Be kind, stay curious, build something that matters.”
Community Storyteller
Max has broad experience working in educational and community settings; his passions lie in writing, reading and wellbeing. He is a former teacher of English and currently works across various literary and arts projects, such as teaching on Exeter UNESCO City of Literature’s Bibliotherapy Skills training course. As Community Storyteller, he aims to uncover queer voices in Exeter, and by sharing each other’s stories, he hopes to bring members of the community closer together and encourage a culture of celebration and joy.
Quote - “I celebrate myself, and sing myself”
The team are also joined by: Hollie our Young People Engagement & Community Outreach Lead
and Kornelia our Volunteer Lead
Interested in joining us?
We’re always looking for fun, friendly, and creative people who share our passion for arts, culture, and community. Whether you’d like to volunteer, collaborate, or bring fresh ideas to the table — we’d love to hear from you!
Drop us an email at hello@outthere.org.uk