Dance City makes bold leap for future

A Newcastle-based performing arts organisation is celebrating a major anniversary with a bold campaign to expand its regional impact over the next decade.

Dance City has launched a £4 million fundraising appeal as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, pledging to deliver 40 million minutes of dance experiences across the North East by 2035.

The campaign was unveiled at a special event at Dance City’s flagship venue on Temple Street, in central Newcastle, bringing together artists, alumni and supporters for an evening of performances and discussion. 

Highlights included work by student and community dancers, as well as contributions from regional arts leaders and a welcome from Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England.

Anand Bhatt, artistic director and chief executive of Dance City, said: “This is more than a fundraiser – it’s a commitment to the future of dance in our region.

“By pledging 40 million minutes of dance by 2035, we want to see more classes, more creativity and greater access for all. 

“To achieve this, we need our community to stand with us as custodians of that future and help shape the next chapter of Dance City.

“Dance has always evolved, and so must we. 

“We need to ask: What will dance look like in ten years? What are the dreams of the dancers who haven’t even found us yet? 

“This campaign is about ensuring we’re ready for them, and that dance remains a powerful force in every corner of our community.”

Founded in 1985, Dance City has evolved into one of the UK’s leading regional dance hubs, championing creativity, diversity and talent development across all ages and communities.

The 40 Million Minutes appeal invites support from individuals, businesses and partners, as it aims to secure the future of dance in the region.

Lyndsey Turner Swift, newly appointed chair of Dance City, added: “The North East deserves a vibrant dance offer delivered by expert practitioners and we pledge to deliver dance in line with our cornerstones of arts, learning and health.

“Creating and experiencing dance together is transformational – for individuals and for communities. 

“In a region with some of the highest rates of poverty and lowest health outcomes in the UK, dance has a proven role to play in changing lives.”

As part of the celebrations, Janet Archer, the much-loved former artistic director of Dance City was awarded the title of Artistic Director Emeritus for her dedication to the organisation and pivotal work in creating its now home in the centre of Newcastle. 

She said it was ‘humbling and a great honour’ to receive the title.

“I will always hold Dance City close to my heart,” she said. 

“The range and quality of dance in the North East is impressive and I feel very proud of all that has been achieved by the many people I’ve had the privilege to work with.

“Dance City’s role in championing the art form is vitally important in laying foundations for future dance makers, audiences and dancers to thrive.”

To find out more about Dance City and its inspirational artistic director and chief executive Anand Bhatt, read his interview with our sister publication, N, here.

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