Research Programme

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ROUND THREE RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED AUGUST 2023

DCNW has been inviting North West dance artists and organisations to create or develop work which explores the future of dance. 

Through commissioned Dance Labs, showcase events and sharing knowledge, DCNW has been helping artists and companies create the future of dance with more people dancing from more backgrounds in more dance styles. 

Supported by Arts Council England, the 2-year programme which to date has commissioned 14 projects, is now focusing on sharing and showcasing work through open labs, platforms, live performances, symposiums and dissemination events in Round Three. 

For this latest round we have looked to give artists and organisations the chance to explore the best ways to share their work and their creative ability, through platforms, scratch nights, development events or showcases. Artists/organisations have told us what will work to develop their work and career, giving them opportunities to perform and/or increase engagement with audiences.

For Round 3, we are looking at the best ways to share the learning from the Research Programme, which commissioned NW-based dancers, dance creatives and organisations to create new or develop existing work, explore opportunities for research and development, collaborate with others and further dance careers and productions. 

Successful recipients in the third round include: creative director and teacher Chad Taylor, an artist collective led by UCLan Dance, Mel Brierley and Penny Collinson, and an artist collective from 24 Hope Street. 

Round Three again offers the chance for the artists to build upon their ambitions and profile the talent, knowledge and potential that lies in the region. Sharing and learning from each other to increase resilience and growth in the sector has been present throughout all three rounds, with an emphasis on reducing inequality in the sector, generating employment opportunities, increasing partnership working and a unified drive to work towards creating a more sustainable dance sector. 

All commissions have been open and flexible, and have actively encouraged dance from all sorts of practice. The programme strives to challenge inequalities and make space to share ideas, performances and knowledge with other artists, professionals and venues; it looks to use research for sustainable change in practice, engagement and dance infrastructure.

The Research Programme is funded by Arts Council England National Lottery Funding.