DD Day 2023 video logo by Andrea Pazos feat. sounds from the Delia Derbyshire Archive, mixed by David Butler

Back in 2011, I instigated a creative project around the Delia Derbyshire Archive which arrived in Manchester at about the same time that I did. I was intrgued to explore this gem of electronic music heritage that had arrived on my new doorstep – Delia Derbyshire (1937-2001) is considered one of the key pioneers of electronic music in England. I invited artists Naomi Kashiwagi and Ailis Ni Riain to join me in responding to the archive with new works. Ailis had the idea to turn it in to a day – DD Day! And so DD Day was born.

Now a registered charity, I am project manager and really enjoy this work of nurturing others and helping to ensure respect and recognition for Delia’s place in the history of electronic music. We work in schools and offer commissions to artists as Delia consistently inspires and her archive proves to be a rich source of education and inspiration.

Delia’s most famous work is her iconic realisation of the original Doctor Who them in 1963. This year is the 60th anniversary of the BBC Doctor Who series so along with our trustees, we cooked up a programme of activities for people of all ages to get involved in. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are working in schools, commissioning new artists and creating new heritage. We love nurturing Delia’s of the present and future, whilst unpacking the heritage and history of electronic music.

Lucky MCR peoples: I’ll be hosting a Q&A with our commissioned artists to talk about their new work inspired by Delia’s work, the Delia Derbyshire Archive and 60 years of Doctor Who. See event poster and DD Day website for more info.

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Join me on my social channels to see and hear how this project evolves!

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