08.11.2022

2 min read

We are delighted to share the news that Arts Council England will continue to support Cheshire Dance as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) enabling us to keep engaging and making a difference to the lives of dance participants, audiences and artists.

At the same time, however, we are saddened to hear less positive news from other organisations hoping to stay in or join the 2023-26 portfolio and are dispirited to see a further reduction per annum in Dance NPO investment in the region, with just 3 organisations now holding NPO status for the next 3 years.   At a time of heightened pressures on the arts and cultural sectors, we are aware that many livelihoods are now at risk and we will do what we can to support colleagues who are facing a challenging period.

During the 2023-2026 investment period we continue to provide much needed opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds – particularly those with Protected Characteristics – to experience the power of dance.   We will continue to remove inequalities for those wishing to access dance and will make more space for our diverse communities to come together to co-create, explore, learn and perform. We will also continue to champion the role of dance artists in society and will remain committed to supporting their practice, professional development, careers and wellbeing.

Whilst Cheshire Dance’s NPO award does not include specific uplift funds to continue hosting Dance Consortia North West, current investment extends to September 2023.  We have some time to work in the short term with partners and Arts Council England to find alternative mechanisms for support and to advocate for the hugely untapped potential of dance in the North West.

Cheshire Dance thanks its team, Board of Trustees, partners and volunteers for their unwavering commitment and hard work, and Arts Council England for backing the organisation in its ongoing work.