ACE backs Derby emerging artists programme

Published: 19 April 2014
Reporter: Steve Orme

In good company: the learning theatre pilot programme at Derby Theatre

Derby Theatre has been awarded £99,950—the maximum amount—under the Arts Council England Grants for the Arts scheme for its two-year In Good Company professional development scheme for emerging artists.

In 2012, Derby Theatre embarked on a three-year project to start, develop and monitor a learning theatre pilot programme. One of the main objectives was to nurture existing and emerging talent in the region.

In Good Company will provide mentorship, business support, facilities and high-profile performance opportunities for artists. It will also support them in trying to establish links with organisations which will programme their work.

In Good Company is a partnership between Derby Theatre, Mansfield’s Create and Embrace Arts, Leicester. All three have strong and defined links to educational institutions.

Derby Theatre’s artistic director Sarah Brigham said, “This is excellent news for emerging artists in the East Midlands.

“College can take young people closer to fulfilling their potential but graduation brings new challenges which our In Good Company project recognises by helping young creative people turn their ideas into reality.”

Adam Pownall from Create, Mansfield added, “The In Good Company framework will be beneficial to all three venues yet priceless for the companies we nurture and mentor.

“Providing these opportunities for developing talent in the region is at the core of what we do, and this can hopefully be a platform to continue this kind of work in the future.”

Louisa Milburn from Embrace Arts, Leicester, said, “The three partner venues bring differing and complementary strengths to the project.”

Derby Theatre will shortly be appointing a creative producer to lead the programme.

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