We are delighted to let you know that the Moving Memory Dance Theatre Company (founded and run by our very own Sian Stevenson & Jayne Thompson) have been awarded an Arts Council R&D Grant to develop their new work, Beyond the Marigolds – match funding is being awarded by Kent Arts Innovation fund (KCC). This new production will further develop the distinctive style of the company, extending integration of live and digital forms via a collaborative practice that empowers participants within the choreographic/creative process. The project extends the geographical reach of the company to include Gravesend, and develops a significant new relationship with Woodville’s Halls, Gravesend. Following this R&D project, which will tour to 3 venues, they will be seeking funding toward a national tour, while developing relationships in Scandinavia.
We have also heard that due to funding from Ideas Test Swale, Thanet County Council, and Woodville Halls, their Outreach projects, which explore the relationship between Arts and Health via ‘Moving Well’ groups for older people, will grow from 2 to 5 by the end of the year, finding homes in Margate, Faversham, Gravesend, Sittingbourne and Canterbury. These will be facilitated by members of their core performance company, Moving Memory, who have been in a training programme over the last 6 months – this project will complete training toward a’ripple’ model of sustained participatory work.
The overall programme of work means that in 2015-16 the company will double the numbers of people benefiting from the work.