Artist Focus | Dan Webber – Derby’s Multi-Hyphenate Creative Champion

Derby’s creative scene has never been short of talent, but few figures embody its grassroots spirit, collaborative energy and stubborn resilience quite like Dan Webber. A poet, producer, promoter, performer and all-round artistic catalyst, Webber has spent more than a decade shaping the cultural fabric of the city he calls home. His work spans literature, comedy, festivals, drag pageants, performance art and community projects, yet the common thread is always the same: connection, collaboration and a fierce belief in what Derby can achieve.

“I’ve worked in cities all over the country, but I’ve always had a base in Derby,” he says. “I grew up here and it’s very much where I consider home.” That sense of belonging runs deep through all his work. Derby’s tight-knit creative ecosystem, its small-city challenges and its determination to punch above its weight have shaped him both as an artist and a person. “Because we’re so small a place, the art and creative scene is very close knit,” he explains. “We co-produce and collaborate together regularly and we always punch above our weight.”

A Career Built on Many Hats

Webber describes himself as “a person of many hats,” and it is no exaggeration. His involvement stretches across a constellation of cultural organisations including Derby Museums, Derby Poetry Festival, The Derby Dracula CIC and the Queers Arts Collectives in Nottingham and Derbyshire. He performs with Fancy Entertainment, produces festivals, designs fringe events and continues to nurture talent behind the scenes.

Originally, he imagined himself as “the next Stephen King,” before discovering acting and ultimately finding his creative home between poetry, comedy and performance. His first collection, Genre Fluid, was born from those early formative nights on stage: “I was being told I was a poet at comedy nights, and a comedian at poetry gigs, and not really fitting in either space.”

That refusal to fit neatly into one category became the spark that ignited a multi-disciplinary career. Today, Webber is best described in his own words: “I usually describe myself as a poet, producer and promoter but shorthand I usually just say ‘I work in events’ as my work usually ends up with doing a little bit of everything.”

Standout Moments from a Shape-Shifting Journey

For an artist who thrives on passion, possibility and a strong dose of organised chaos, the highlights have been plentiful. Holding his first published book is still a surreal memory, but the big stages brought their own magic. Performing at Glastonbury in 2023, having never even attended the festival before, remains one of his most cherished moments.

He has also ticked off some wonderfully niche dream gigs. “I had the chance to perform in a wrestling ring at Wrestival in 2024,” he says. “Being a lifelong WWE fan, this was very much something ticked off the bucket list.” Add to that the 25th Birthday celebrations for Leicester Comedy Festival and it becomes clear that Webber’s path is anything but predictable.

But for all the public highs, some of his proudest work happens in community spaces. His ongoing involvement with The Parky Players and the Dracula Returns to Derby project reflects his commitment to grassroots creativity and local collaboration.

Challenges, Growth and the Reality of Artistic Life

Despite a packed CV, Webber is candid about the difficulties that weave their way through an artistic career. Rejection, stalled projects and the constant search for funding can weigh heavily. “There’s a lot of rejection, especially when it comes to funding bids and publications,” he admits. “It can still be difficult if you didn’t get that opportunity you really wanted.”

His second collection proved especially challenging. Poetry drifts between page and performance, and pinning it down into a fixed book can be daunting. Yet he embraces the uncertainty with characteristic optimism. “The most challenging part for me is also the most exciting. It’s not a straight line and every day is different.”

His style has evolved too. The early work was raunchier and rougher around the edges, shaped by influences like Frankie Boyle, Tim Minchin and Bill Hicks. As his confidence grew, so did his range. Today, he balances humour, honesty and emotional insight with a mature, community-focused voice that still retains a spark of mischief.

What Comes Next for Dan Webber

His most recent collection, Whispers From The Woods, released in July 2025 with support from the University of Derby and Big White Shed, explores wellbeing and nature through the eyes of young people reconnecting with the natural world during lockdown. Looking ahead, he is aiming for a brand new collection in 2026 alongside a touring show to bring the work to life on stage.

What He Hopes Audiences Take Away

Webber’s artistic mission goes beyond entertainment. He wants to leave audiences energised, thoughtful and maybe even a little transformed. “I’d like people to go away feeling like they’ve enjoyed themselves but also that they have learned something, or maybe considering thinking about something a different way,” he says. Whether through poetry, performance or festival curation, he aims for people to feel “inspired, engaged and reflected in the work.”

Where to Find Him

Webber continues to document his journey, share new work and promote other artists with the same generosity he was shown early in his career. You can follow him on Instagram at @imgenrefluid or visit www.imgenrefluid.com for updates, events and upcoming projects.

Advice for Emerging Artists

His final message is one every aspiring creative should print out and pin above their desk. “Keep going, it’s really hard at the moment and it’s easy to look online and compare yourselves to other artists,” he says. “It’s not a straight line and it won’t happen overnight.” And perhaps his wisest reminder: “If you ever reach the penthouse, send the elevator back down.”

Dan Webber is proof of what happens when passion, community and defiant creativity collide. Derby is lucky to have him, and TRENDИG is proud to spotlight his ongoing journey.

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