An open call out and invitation to be at home at Dance City

The Dance City and Gillian Dickinson Trust Residency/Commission is a three-year programme during which six artists or companies, two each year, will embed their practice within the thriving dance community in the North East. During each residency period, the commissioned artists will not only take advantage of Dance City’s studios and theatre to develop new ideas and present new works, but also engage with Dance City’s communities, including professionals, students, audiences and participants across the region.

The Gillian Dickinson Trust supports charities in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and County Durham and aims to promote creativity in young people.

Two opportunities are available, both taking place in 2024. Each artist will be provided with funds, space and staff support to work with students, connect with the artistic community and to develop their work.

Each commissioned artist will be awarded £20,000 and the following in-kind support:

• Producing support for any desired wraparound activity.
• Marketing support for any wraparound activity.
• Up to four weeks of rehearsal space, including at least one week in Dance City’s Theatre (Monday – Friday, or as arranged).
• Marketing support for the final presentation of the preview performance or premiere.
• Technical support for up to two weeks to support the presentation of the preview performance or premiere

“Loved all the sessions with Richard Chappell, and the chance to work with different artists that are in and out of the building as well, we’ve now developed a new professional relationship as well which is really nice something we can carry on.”  – Quote from Year 3 Degree Student

We are seeking a total of two artists or companies for 2024. These artists/companies will have the following attributes:

• You are an artist/company and your practice is based in dance, movement or choreography.
• You are aged 18 or above.
• For this round of commissioning, we are seeking applications from people of marginalised genders including women, non-binary people, and trans men and women. We are particularly looking to support artists who are:
  • LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual +), Global Majority Heritage, Neurodivergent, Disabled
• Artists/companies with a track record of offering quality learning experiences, and with existing producing support for partnerships, marketing and management.
• Artists/companies that will take this opportunity to further develop a work which has already undergone a research and/or development period. We expect the work to be in its final phase toward presentation by the time you arrive at Dance City.
• At least one of these artists will be based in the North of England.

To find out more and to apply, visit: https://www.dancecity.co.uk/professional-artists/commissions/