Richard Chappell Dance continues commitment to South West based early year choreographers with Supporting Acts initiative

Following a successful summer crowdfunding appeal, Richard Chappell Dance’s Supporting Acts programme returns in 2025. 

Offering early career choreographers based in, or from the South West of England the chance to create new work through bespoke commissioning, residency, mentoring and programming, Supporting Acts has been shaped to empower dance makers to deepen their creative practice and develop their artistic voices. Each artist will be encouraged to continue their learning by identifying their artistic values and strategic focuses in partnership development, climate justice, fundraising, technical theatre, dramaturgy, and financial monitoring. 

Taking inspiration from the music industry’s approach, each commissioned artist will create new work that will open Richard Chappell Dance’s AMPLFY programme at The Drum - Theatre Royal Plymouth, Sterts Theatre - Cornwall, Ashburton Arts Centre and The House at Arts Institute Plymouth. Alongside the performances, artists will also lead unique participatory programmes across the South West, reflecting the focus of their new creations while fostering meaningful engagement with local communities. 

Of Supporting Acts, Artistic Director Richard Chappell said “Supporting Acts proactively responds to barriers I felt in my early career. We will cater each commission to each artist’s individual needs and appetites for their work, whilst directly responding to the gaps in dance provision for new work to be created. We will encourage each artist to be bold and curious. The programme is designed to uplift artists through the full process of conceiving a work to premiere. We are thrilled and grateful to create these significant step changes for artists with the generous support from individual donations through our summer fundraising appeal, Jerwood Foundation, The Fenton Arts Trust, The Linbury Trust, and Teignbridge Council.” 

Supporting Acts will see Richard Chappell Dance commission four artists to create work from Spring-Autumn 2025. Two commissions designed for rural and small scale theatres have been assigned to Devon based artists Willa Faulkner and Malin Kvist through Teinbridge Arts Project.

A call out has been released to find a further two artists, one to focus on outdoor performance for programming at Sterts Theatre, Cornwall, and another to create work for a mid-scale theatre to be performed The House at Arts Institute Plymouth. Each choreographer will receive a commission fee of £3,225, plus a range of mentoring support from Richard Chappell Dance. 

Supporting Acts has been funded by Jerwood Foundation, The Fenton Arts Trust, The Linbury Trust, individual donations through RCD’s summer fundraising appeal and Teignbridge Council, via Teignbridge Arts Project. Through Jerwood Foundation’s support, one choreographer will respond directly to artwork from the Jerwood Collection, through their choreography.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Photography: Dan Martin