Swindon Dance Announces the Marie McCluskey DanceMakers Fund

After creating and steering the development of Swindon Dance for over 35 years founding Artistic Director, Marie McCluskey has worked with, guided, mentored and supported literally hundreds of people to watch, make, perform, produce, and study all kinds of dance. The impact of her contribution to developing dance in the UK spreads far beyond Swindon. For Marie it has always been about the people and she now takes great pleasure in gifting a special fund to support the next generation of dance makers. Funds for this new award were raised from a collection by artists, participants, colleagues, staff and friends on Marie's retirement in 2016. It is planned to offer a similar award in 2018/19.

What is the purpose of the DanceMakers fund?

Swindon Dance has helped many choreographers to take time to develop their craft and to explore their own choreographic ambitions. In terms of growing talent early on a combination funds, space, dialogue and forming positive working relationships can have real impact. It is hoped that this new supported commission will encourage new talent to grow. It is this next generation of dance makers that the award would like to support. Marie reflected that " Over the years it has been amazing to witness how small amounts of support early on can help choreographic talent to emerge and fly. I hope that this new award will encourage this to happen."

What does the DanceMakers award include?

• £1,000 towards production costs of a new work suitable for live performance in small-scale or flexible spaces
• Space to rehearse at Swindon Dance for up to three weeks during 2017/18
• Mentoring opportunity with Marie McCluskey
• Performance date promoted by Swindon Dance during 2018/19
• News Release to National Dance Network and regional promoters to raise profile of successful art

Application deadline: 6pm Friday 31st March 2017

For more info on how to apply please go to: http://www.swindondance.org.uk/artist-professional-development/marie-mccluskey-dancemakers-fund/
Image: James Wilton - Last Man Standing. James received initially small commission funds and was a BBC Performing Arts fellow with Swindon Dance.

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