Dancing for the future

5 November 2019

We’re delighted to have been awarded capital grant funding from Arts Council England for £100,000 to develop our building and purchase an electric vehicle for our UK touring programme.

Our Co-Artistic Director, Kevin Edward Turner, said: “Our vision when we moved into the former Varna Street Primary School building was to create a hothouse for dance in Manchester.  The funding will help us take a step towards this vision by making much needed improvements to the building and making it fit for purpose as a dance studio.”

Our co-Artistic Director, Anthony Missen, said:”The building’s development will support Chameleon in the creation of its world-class dance productions, and in creating a quality space for the wider dance community to rehearse, experiment with sound and light, and share performances of their work.

Since moving into Varna Street last year, more and more dance artists and emerging companies like Kapow Dance Circus Theatre, Damae Dance and Tangled Dance Company, are using the studio to develop their practice, rehearse and test ideas, share thoughts and have conversations about their work.  The space is becoming a hub for dance in Greater Manchester and the funding secured will support its growth and sustainability.”

The funding will also enable the Company to purchase an electric vehicle to support the development of our UK touring programme.

Kevin said, “In the past, when touring, we’ve relied on public transport for the cast, equipment and props, which is often costly and problematic. The vehicle will substantially reduce touring costs, save time and most importantly significantly reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact as a Company.”

The Arts Council’s capital funding focuses on giving organisations the right buildings and equipment to be able to produce and present great work.  These new and improved buildings bring benefits to artists, audiences and to the communities where they’re located.

The capital programme also supports organisations to develop resilience and become more sustainable businesses.  Read more about the capital funding programme on Arts Council England’s web-site here.

Don’t miss a beat

Be part of the Chameleon family and receive our regular newsletter to keep up-to-date with our news.

 

"Intense, exciting and inspiring.” “Pushing boundaries like no other.” "Beautiful and thought provoking." “A brilliant and moving piece of social commentary in the medium of dance.” “A gripping piece performed by fantastic dancers.”

Thank you to everyone who comes to watch us perform and for your comments and feedback!