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Emma Brünjes

@ejbrunjes

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Business Owner. Wife. Mother. Sister. Aunty. Daughter. Friend. Not always in that order. @ebplondon @edcomedyawards for more professional nonsense

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Meet 26/27 Imogen Kinchin Fellow, Kat Joyce

Theatre-maker, artist, creative producer and Co-Artistic Director & Co-CEO of Tangled Feet.

Kat’s socially engaged practice brings people together in theatres, streets, parks, schools and public spaces, creating room to gather, play and imagine.

“Opportunities like this are so rare – to focus on your leadership and to take the time to equip yourself properly.”

Kat will be mentored by Emma Brünjes.

Welcome to the inaugural Imogen Kinchin Fellowship, Kat.

#ImogenKinchinFellowship #CulturalLeadership #TheatreLeadership #CollaborativeTheatre #CreativeLeadership by @ejbrunjes

Why launch a fellowship now?

Because talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.

The Imogen Kinchin Fellowship was created in memory of Imogen, who broke ceilings and then helped others break their own.

It is built on four principles:

• Empowerment rather than gatekeeping
• Cross-sector connection
• Access and fairness
• Listening to what future leaders actually need

And it offers something many cultural professionals rarely get: time.

Time to think, connect, be mentored and imagine what comes next.

The programme runs for 12 months because leadership grows through relationships, reflection and practice.

That is the space we hope to create for this first cohort.

#ImogenKinchinFellowship #CulturalLeadership #ArtsManagement #FutureLeaders #TheatreLeadership by @ejbrunjes

Hever Tri today 🏊🏻‍♀️🚴🏻🏃🏻‍♀️- my 3rd Tri which I think basically makes me a pro, right?! 750m swim, 20KM cycle and 5KM run later and everything hurts. I am so far from a natural athlete getting round is pure dogged determination and it’s the only time an unflattering photo makes me so happy!

I couldn’t be prouder and happier- today was not about finish times but friendship. And just saying yes. These people are new in my life. Making friends when you’re older is a strange thing - bought together by our kids - I can’t imagine my life without them.

They are there. They say yes. They listen. They know. They are enormous fun. And I’ve never felt more grateful.

In a world of challenges and sadness health, family and friendship are all and this week has been all 3 ➡️

Last weekend we celebrated Imogen in the week she would have turned 47; it remains unimaginable she’s not here…

She might have enjoyed the spa today more than a Tri but she got me round that last lap today.

And on Thursday we did something I can’t talk about yet for the @theimogenkinchinfellowship and it was 100% soul food.

None of this would have happened without my family and an injured and frustrated @tomollier held the fort today.

I was an emotional wreck when I saw them at the finish line…Wont be long before we do these crazy challenges together as a family. ❤️

But for now….slippers, red wine and time to book next years race! 😉😴🍷 by @ejbrunjes

‘You have to make a video mummy’…..so here’s one for you kids…this car journey is so peaceful! by @ejbrunjes

Edinburgh Fringe 2026 ✅ My 22nd…it was relentless and a time of change …..but by a long shot was my favourite and having the squad with me the whole time was a big part of that. We were very lucky to be able to make it work and to see the children enjoy the Festival as much if not more than I do is very special…what a way to spend the summer. 😍

So needs to be one for the wall …. by @ejbrunjes

What a wonderful kick-off to the Fringe celebrations! 🎉

Our annual launch lunch today included fun, games, inspirational speeches, and the announcement of our new Executive Director!

#EdinburghComedyAwards #EdFringe by @ejbrunjes

🚨 Edinburgh Comedy Awards News! 🚨

Nica Burns CBE, Director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards for 43 years, has shared the long-term leadership plan as Emma Brünjes steps up to Executive Director.

Having taken over the then-embryonic Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 1984, Nica has grown them into the UK’s most prestigious honours in live comedy, widely known as ‘the Oscars of comedy’. Nica has led the Awards through many changes of sponsor and stepped in several times to sponsor them herself when needed, as the most committed champion of new comedic talent for over four decades.

Now, looking to the future and to sustain the legacy of the Awards, Nica has appointed Emma Brünjes to lead the Edinburgh Comedy Awards in the run-up to their 50th anniversary in 2030 and for many years beyond. Emma has been the Producer of the Awards for 16 years and been involved in the comedy industry for nearly two decades.

Nica’s involvement and championing of the Awards will continue in support of Emma and the wider Edinburgh Comedy Awards team as they take on the Awards’ vital work spotlighting the next generation of comedy talent ❤️

#EdinburghComedyAwards #EdFringe by @ejbrunjes

Sentimental moment….apologies….

Same location. Same outfit (!). Diff girls. Life rolls on. The memories remain. The memories are what make us…

….And you’re never too young or old to paint your nails in the sunshine 💅☀️

Thank you to all my girls …and boys…not all pictured …for the memories…..and for making me dive into my photo album…I’ve been chuckling out loud like a mad woman… by @ejbrunjes

Georgina’s Christening - an important day for our unit and a perfect opportunity to bring our extended families together and see all our children’s Godparents. A truly special day.

Albeit a total failure to get the wider family photo because wrangling children is never easy…. by @ejbrunjes

by @ejbrunjes

I love this day - so proud of Oscar tonight really embracing the race with his friends and family - although already being outrun by my son is a bit bleak 😬🤦🏻‍♀️🤣 by @ejbrunjes

I’m incredibly proud to share the Imogen Kinchin Fellowship… 🤍

It’s taken me a month to find the words because this has been the most emotionally challenging work I’ve ever done.

I met Imogen in June 2005 on a programme designed to build networks - I had no idea then how much that meeting would shape not just my career, but my life.
That’s the magic of this industry… when the lines blur and you let them intertwine, something powerful happens.

Imogen had a presence that honestly intimidated me at first — so assured, so full of grace. Years later she told me she felt exactly the same. In that shared respect, we built a friendship rooted in honesty, encouragement and unwavering support as we navigated it all… the growth, the ambition, the uncertainty.

She had this energy - infectious, generous. But what stayed with me most was how she showed that real strength is also in asking for help. In reaching out. In building partnerships where we all grow together.

When I started my business at my kitchen table, she checked in every day. In moments of doubt (and there were many), she was the voice saying: “Yes, you can.” I was never alone.

That’s what this fellowship is about.

Creating those partnerships. Connecting people who will champion each other, challenge each other, and help shape each other’s futures - because none of us do this alone.

If you know someone who would benefit from that kind of support, please nominate them before Friday 8 May.

I miss her every day. I still find myself asking, “what would Imogen say?

🔗 Link in bio

This is our small way of carrying that forward. ✨

#ImogenKinchinFellowship #Mentorship #Leadership #SupportNetworks #CreativeIndustries by @ejbrunjes