Artist Support
Artists are at the heart of our organisation and we are fully committed to supporting them in many ways. From curating a diverse array of shows every season from national and international performers, to providing financial backing for choreographers, DanceEast is continually searching for ways to help artists, both emerging and established, achieve their potential.
Our monthly artists newsletter is curated by our Programme Coordinator, featuring the latest commissions, funding and residencies; classes, events and workshops; jobs and opportunities, at DanceEast and from our friends, both regionally and nationally.
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During the summer and winter months, when our programmed activities pause, the Jerwood DanceHouse embraces a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. During this rare period in our calendar when we are free of any other commitments, we can support dance artists with studio space more than any other point in the year. DanceEast uses this opportunity to host Makerspace.
Makerspace is open to all dance artists at any career stage, offering space and freedom to work on projects, research new ideas, rehearse, or simply be creative with no required outcomes.
The team at DanceEast have a broad range of skills, knowledge and experience in dance and we are pleased to offer one-to-one advisory sessions to dance artists based in the East and South East of England.
Sessions are open to artists at any career stage, providing time and space to connect, share ideas and ask questions. The content of the sessions will be informed by you and your particular needs as a dance artist and can cover a range of things including, but not limited to, funding applications, partnership development, connecting with local networks and fellow artists, or they can simply provide space for you to develop your creative ideas and chat things through with a member of our team. Please understand that advisory sessions are offered to provide advice and guidance, rather than the opportunity to pitch or seek producing support.
If you are interested in booking a session with us, please email ArtistEnquiries@danceeast.co.uk telling us a little bit about yourself and explain what you would like to cover in the session so we can make sure we pair you with the right member of the DanceEast team.
The Jerwood DanceHouse is renowned as an inspiring place to create new work, offering first-class facilities, a supportive environment, and peaceful surroundings – ideal for artists to immerse themselves in their choreographic process and get those creative juices flowing! We provide residencies in our studios and digital suite for artists at various career stages.
We are particularly keen to hear from artists based in the East and South East of England who are interested in developing their creative practice, including touring work and participatory projects.
For more information about our residencies and eligibility, please contact us at ArtistEnquiries@danceeast.co.uk. Tell us a little about yourself and the project you would like to develop during your residency.
Over the past decade, DanceEast has invested in developing the Jerwood DanceHouse into a centre for digital dance innovation, providing resources for dance artists interested in exploring the intersection of dance and digital technology.
In addition to our regular studio spaces, we offer residencies in our purpose-built digital suite, established in 2020-21. This dedicated space supports dancemakers working with green screen technology, virtual production, and a range of technical software and hardware to enhance their practice and create innovative ways for audiences to experience dance.
As part of our Dance and Technology residencies, we occasionally invite artists to share their work-in-progress with local audiences through our Test and Talk: TECH program. This initiative gives audiences insight into emerging dance and technology projects, including Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality, while providing an opportunity for artists to gather feedback in a supportive environment. Currently presenting in our Test and Talk: TECH program is by invitation only as part of a residency offer.
For more information about our Dance and Technology residencies, including eligibility, please contact us at ArtistEnquiries@danceeast.co.uk. Tell us a little bit about yourself and the project you would like to develop during your residency.
As a small but dedicated dance organisation, DanceEast remains committed to programming work that resonates with our loyal local audience. With limited performance slots each season, we carefully balance our offerings to ensure a diverse and engaging programme that serves our entire community.
We shape our performance programme through a combination of direct invitations and proposals from artists. With each season offering only a limited number of opportunities, the programming team meets regularly to consider proposals and invitations in context to the overall programme, audience development and seasonal occasions.
We primarily commission artists with whom we have established relationships with over time. Open call opportunities for individual artists or partner commissions will be advertised on our website and social media channels.
At DanceEast, we take pride not only in the work we do as an organisation but also in the collaboration with national and international partners across the dance sector. We believe that meaningful partnerships drive innovation, expand opportunities, and create a lasting impact for artists, participants, and audiences.
a. AKADEMI
DanceEast is proud to partner with Akademi on the 2024 Artist Commissions, supporting innovation in South Asian dance. This initiative offers five commissions of £5,000, plus a package of support encompassing free studio space and advisory support to each individual artist or collective whose practice centres on South Asian dance. One commission specifically encourages projects that intersect South Asian dance with creative technology, fostering the fusion of traditional forms and modern innovation.
The selected artists – Shivaangee Agrawal (Creative Tech Commission), Anjana Bala, Chandenie Gobardhan, Divija Mellaly, and Kesha Raithatha – will explore themes such as sustainability, climate change, and health and well-being over a 12-month research and development period.
This collaboration reflects DanceEast’s commitment to nurturing diverse artistic voices and advancing the dance sector.
b. ART//TECH//PLAY
DanceEast are proud to partner with Collusion as part of their ART//TECH//PLAY network, alongside Cambridge Junction, Norwich Theatre, Anglia Ruskin University and Norwich University of the Arts.
WHAT IS ART//TECH//PLAY?
Led by Collusion in partnership with DanceEast, ART//TECH//PLAY (ATP) aims to strengthen the creative pipeline for tech-driven artistic work by supporting artists to expand their skills and experience working with creative technologies through an experimental practice day. Through this programme, artists can grow networks, transfer knowledge, access resources, and develop ground breaking artworks that engage the public in unique and impactful ways.
WHO CAN GET INVOLVED?
Currently, practice days at DanceEast are by invitation only. We extend invites to artists who have previously expressed interest in the programme and are eager to expand their skills and experience in working with creative technologies.
Are you an artist seeking to integrate creative technologies into your practice? Let us know by emailing ArtistEnquiries@danceeast.co.uk.
c. OUTBOUND
As a proud partner of OUTBOUND 2024, an artist development programme delivered in partnership with The Place, FABRIC, Yorkshire Dance, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Dance City and Southeast Dance, DanceEast has been delighted to support independent dance artists in expanding their touring networks and touring opportunities.
The cohort includes Ashley Jordan, Chisato Minamimura, Bakani Pick-up, Chess Dillon Reams, Glass House Dance (Laura Anderson and Sarah Lewis), and Jesse Salaman and Toi Guy, exemplifies the talent and innovation that OUTBOUND was designed to support.
This initiative has allowed artists and organisations strengthen their creative practice, develop their touring strategies, and forge meaningful industry connections.
At DanceEast, we are committed to nurturing artists and championing their work. We look forward to seeing how these talented creators continue to evolve and make an impact in the dance sector.
