The Dance City & Gillian Dickinson Trust Commission: North East
Dance City and The Gillian Dickinson Trust invites dance artists and companies who are living or working in the North East to apply for the residency commission which will take place in early February to March 2027.
During the residency period, the commissioned artist/company will not only take advantage of our purpose-built studios and theatre to develop a new choreographic idea, but also engage with our communities, including professionals, students and audiences.
The Offer for 2027
The artist/company will be provided with commissioning funds, space and staff support to work with Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) students, connect with the artistic community and to develop their work to be ‘presentation ready’ by the end of the commission.
The commissioned artist/ company will be awarded £17,500 and the following in-kind support: Producing support for any desired wraparound activity.
- Producing support.
- Marketing support.
- Dramaturgical support.
- One week studio intensive with CAT students to develop a new short piece of choreography
- Up to three weeks of rehearsal space (Monday – Friday, or as arranged).
- Marketing support for the final presentation of the premiere/ preview performance.
- Technical support for up to one weeks to support the presentation of the premiere/preview performance.
- Fundraising support.
- Support on project’s future life.
The commission fee is inclusive of this work and all expenses incurred by the artist/company during their stay and inclusive of VAT.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a total of one artist or company for 2027. The artist/company will have the following attributes:
- You are an artist/company, and your practice is based in dance, movement or choreography.
- You are working or living in the North East of England
- You are aged 18 or above.
- Have an artist/company with a track record of working with young people and offering quality learning experiences.
- Holds an advanced DBS.
- An artist or company with producing support in place and with a clear plan to deliver the project successfully.
- An artist/company that will take this opportunity to further develop a work which has already undergone a research and/or development period. We expect the work to be nearing its final phase by the time you arrive at Dance City.
We want to work with artists to ensure that what is created here has a life beyond Dance City, and relationships with us are ongoing. The commission will be suited to an artist or company who have existing networks on which to build partnerships; Dance City is also able to support with brokering partnerships if required.
Residency/Commission Dates and Details
Week 1: 15 February – 19 February 2027
CAT Intensive with dance students. Daily technique and creative sessions culminating in a new dance piece that is no longer than 10 minutes to be performed in the CAT End of Year Show in July 2027. Working hours 10am to 5pm
Week 2: 22 February – 26 February 2027
Studio Residency & development of new work
Week 3: 1 March – 5 March 2027
Studio Residency & development of new work
Week 4: 8 March – 12 March 2027
Studio Residency & development of new work
Week 5: 15 March – 19 March 2027
Technical /production week of new work in the Theatre with a Preview Performance or Premiere of the work on the 19 March 2027.
We have set out these dates to provide structure for work internally and for applicants to consider. Detailed conversation can take place with artists interested in this opportunity and/or the successful applicant to ensure that these dates work for both Dance City and the artist/company.
How to apply
The deadline for applications is Monday 10 May 2026 at 10am.
Interviews will take place 28 or 29 May 2026.
If you prefer to complete a word version of the application form, please email graeme.thompson@dancecity.co.uk
If you prefer to create a video or audio to answer the questions, please send via WeTransfer to graeme.thompson@dancecity.co.uk. Please cover all of the questions in the form in 15 minutes.
If you have any questions or need support from a member of the Dance City team, please contact Graeme Thompson via email graeme.thompson@dancecity.co.uk
