We are embarking on a new and exciting phase of dance development in the North West. This is where we get to dream big.

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1 Ambition We are embarking on a new and exciting phase of dance development in the North West. This is where we get to dream big. Who are we? We are anyone involved or connected to dance in the North West The foundations for collaboration are being laid. Building on the legacy and rich history of all the excellent work that has taken place and by working together in trust, we can herald a new era for dance. We can realise partnership driven programmes and establish independently led artistic projects. We can continue to move forward with an unstoppable collective will and a shared belief in the transformative power of dance in society. ( DCNW or the Consortia ) is made up of a range of networks, organisations and individual artists and professionals who are passionate about the growth and development of dance. 1 P a g e

2 Our ambition is: to build a truly democratic model of dance and market development. We will achieve this by opening up space for collaboration amongst a broad stakeholder base; working together to harness a collective energy and passion for dance with a universal commitment to excellence and diversity. Our aim is to champion dance and inspire the audiences, artists and professionals of today and tomorrow. Values and ways of working: Open and welcoming to new people and new ideas Transparent in how we work and communicate Ambitious for the future of dance Actions for Dance and Market Development Our direction of travel is explored further on the Road Map, page 5. In order to work closely together we will organise ourselves around 3 strands of action:- Linking and strengthening artist and talent development pathways Encourage innovation Invest in artists and artistic production Reveal and strengthen connections and dialogue between dance training, independent artists, venues, promoters and employers in the sector to ensure all stakeholders are more informed of other stakeholder perspectives Invest in diversity as a driver of creativity and public engagement Developing more informed, connected, sustained and sustainable approaches to engagement and audience development in the region Enrich the experience and increase opportunities for participants and audiences Develop and implement collaborative plans to reduce the risk and cost of ambitious dance programming and to attract new audiences to dance Share the extensive benefits of dance and dancing in settings such as place making, health and education and increase opportunities for greater involvement Build strong messages that are promoted collectively in the public realm including the detailed sharing of best practice in copywriting in order to increase the numbers of people creating, learning and experiencing dance and to retain promotional skills and knowledge Building strategic partnerships within and across existing and potential markets for dance Support traditional and innovative ways of touring and distribution Work democratically to support the voice of the artist and organisations to influence policy and strengthen leadership for dance in the region Lever national and international exchange through imaginative partnerships Turn strong ideas into reality, exchange knowledge and grasp emerging opportunities Generate increased investment in the sector and build greater sustainability Offer professional development and support to encourage entrepreneurialism and organisational development 2 P a g e

3 What will success look like? Artistic and social outcomes will be achieved, knowledge sourced and exchanged. More artists and companies will :- Create more ambitious work in the North West and find markets in and far beyond the region Be attracted to a vibrant North West to tour their work and exchange ideas with the region s artists and audiences See their work flourish in an environment rich in trust, generosity and partnership working High levels of live and virtual interest in artists and organisations work across a wide range of settings will attract regional, national and international attention and engagement. The sector as a whole will take collective responsibility for its long term sustainability and growth. Context will work to champion dance, identify and establish ways in which dance in all its forms can flourish in a region. Development has often been hampered by a lack of policy, leadership and resources. There are pockets of excellence across the region, but it lacks a connectedness to share and improve the dance offer. There is a perception that dance sits in isolation from other arts. The practice and performance of dance needs to be integrated more fully into other areas of the performing and visual arts whilst still maintaining its uniqueness as an art and ensuring all work is of the highest quality. recognises that: Within pockets of excellence a great deal has been achieved, but the lack of opportunities for emerging and established artists to develop, platform and find markets for their work, has been hampered by a wide range of issues both regionally and nationally Participatory work in dance across the North West led the field in the past. Other areas of the UK have caught up, but innovation in this area of practice is still vibrant and a strength Venues for dance are limited, selling dance requires both expertise and a powerful marketing engine, the problem is not insoluble Universities in the North West are producing talented dancers, but many are forced to leave the region because of the paucity of work opportunities. With investment and creative thinking a better retention programme can be developed. Our task is to address these issues head-on and create the optimal conditions for collaboration and growth. The implementation will be led by a dance coalition. This broad, democratic approach will involve a core group working with a number of task-specific groups that will identify ways forward for the growth and sustainability of dance. The Consortia will draw together the thinking and planning by these groups, connecting ideas and plans building these into one strong vision and implementation plan. 3 P a g e

4 The North West is the largest region and the most highly populated outside of London [it includes two major conurbations]. Its transport network is fed by a large number of motorways and interconnected transport services. The Northern Powerhouse, centred on Manchester, could create a real and lasting difference to the status and development of artistic practice and the creative industries. As a dance sector, we must be ready to play a full and active role in this development. a collective partnership An Executive Group of dance connected organisations, independent artists and HE institutions o Bluecoat, Cheshire Dance, Co. Chameleon, Dance Manchester, Ludus Dance, MDI, The Lowry, Wired Aerial o Representatives from Dance HE NW Consortium (9 University Dance Depts) o 2 Representatives from Artist Led for Artists (ALFA has 100+ members, NW and 4 x subregional groups/meetings) o Arts Council England observer, critical friend. o Independent Chair - Sue Harrison. Co-ordinator - Adam Holloway, Cheshire Dance DCNW Membership o DCNW open to receive proposals for organisations/groups to join. Specialist Task Groups o ALFA (Co-ordinated by a NW working group) o Dance HE NW Consortium o Venues (Chaired by The Lowry) and including Contact Theatre, Blackpool Grand, New Adelphi Theatre (Salford Univ.), Albert Halls Bolton, Dance House Manchester and interest from Storyhouse, Brewery Arts Centre, Theatre by the Lake and Bluecoat Operating Agreement o See separate Operating Agreement The North West is the fastest growing regional economy outside London 4 P a g e

5 A Road Map for a 10 Year Dance Plan Outcomes Artistic and Social Outcomes New Planning Cycle Sector Knowledge & Development Outputs Artistic Activity / Programmes Partnership Initiated Independently Initiated Actions Fundraising & Creative Case For Diversity Strategies 3 Actions for Dance and Market Development Audience Development & Talent Strategies Task Groups Dance HE NW Consortium Artist Led For Artists (ALFA) Venues Group Aim To champion dance and inspire the audiences, artists and professionals of today and tomorrow DCNW DCNW Executive Group (formal partners/signatories) Executive working group and Specialist Task Groups (including both formal and informal partners) 5 P a g e