Manchester based Company Chameleon has received an uplift in funding and will continue to be part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio for 2023-26.
In what has been the most over-subscribed investment round to date, with a record-breaking 1,730 applications, the Company is extremely grateful for the continued support.
Co-Artistic Director, Kevin Edward Turner, said: “I am deeply happy and excited by the news today. I am really proud of our team and all the hard work that has been done and will be done. Thank you, ACE!
With the uplift in funding, we will be able to move towards creating a real dance hub in Greater Manchester, which provides platforms and opportunities for young and emerging artists and companies to grow.
In combination with our exciting artistic programme and impactful learning and participation projects, we look forward to an extraordinary and magical three years and contributing to a stronger dance ecology in Greater Manchester.”
Co-Artistic Director, Anthony Missen, said: “Through challenging times, we maintained our connections to audiences, adapting our existing programme and designing new online and digital activity.
Our Digital Pro Class is one example with professional dancers providing feedback that our online classes were ‘a lifeline during covid’.
This increased investment in our work will enable us to continue to have an impact, with a specific focus on the community on our doorstep, and on dance in Greater Manchester.”
Company Chameleon is proud to be part of a portfolio which broadens diversity, celebrates high quality arts and maintains the world class cultural sector of England.
From extensive international touring, Chameleon understands the transformative power that dance can have on people, places and communities.
Chameleon’s focus for the next three years is on changing the narrative through dance by making a real, positive impact on individual people’s lives.
With a focus on Openshaw and Gorton, Chameleon will make the impact felt through reaching people from diverse backgrounds and people with less opportunity to access the many benefits of dance. Working towards a vision of creating a dance hub packed with possibilities and pathways for everyone.
Andrew Hurst MBE, Chair of Company Chameleon and Chief Executive of One Dance UK, said “We are delighted to receive further support and investment from Arts Council England to enable us to continue to grow more, and positively impact local communities in Openshaw, and Greater Manchester, and even further afield.
Chameleon is committed to improving people’s lives and increasing diversity in both audiences and the dance workforce, and this investment will enable us to accelerate our plans to create a dance hub for Greater Manchester and launch an exciting new paid apprenticeship for young dancers from global majority backgrounds.”
