Dance in Devon Closing Statement

Home Dance in Devon Closing Statement
DID_LOGO_no background

ANNOUNCEMENT

Dance in Devon will close from 5th August 2022. The board have agreed that there is no sustainable way to continue the charity.

The organisation is unable to continue operating because of a lack of sustained organisational funding. This is despite recent successful funding applications and commissions for projects. These cannot now go ahead because there is not sufficient funding to cover core costs and staffing.

In February 2022, the organisation ceased to operate for a period of six months while the board considered future options. During this period, we have engaged with key partners, and reached out to funders to explore new, appropriate models of support for dance in the South West. We want to ensure that the people of Devon, and across the region, can participate in dance activities for their own creativity and wellbeing, and that dance professionals can continue to thrive in the region.

Chair of the Board, Dr Chris Turner said:

“Whatever evolves from now, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone – the Board of Trustees, the Executive Team, partners and stakeholders, and the whole dance community – for their dedication and their support for such a very special art form. It is rare, and a distinct privilege, to work with such a large number of creative and inspiring people.

We must celebrate all that has happened thus far and reach out to the future with renewed hope and optimism that what emerges can, albeit in a different form, be even more successful than what has gone before. I wish everyone every success in that ambitious and exciting venture.”

Dance in Devon – What’s On is a public Facebook group that will continue and you are encouraged to add your activity, event or opportunity to it to stay informed and connected across the county and beyond.

You can also join the Dance in Plymouth Facebook group for information and updates.

Dance in Devon was established in 2003-4 by our founding Board members; Zannah Chisholm, Jules Laville, Richard Povall, Sara Reed, Ruth Way and David Whitfield who worked with Devon County Council and Arts Council England to lay the foundations for connected, energised dancing communities across Devon.

5th August 2022