Activate Performing Arts is pleased that Arts Council England has confirmed funding as part of the next National Portfolio, supporting our work as a Dorset based charity. Activate exists to bring performing arts to as many people as possible – in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, across Dorset and the UK.
Kate Wood, Executive and Artistic Director at Activate said, “We are delighted that Arts Council England have recognised our impact in Dorset, the South West and beyond. We know the work we do can open minds, create opportunities and change lives. This funding will ensure we continue to fire imaginations, uplift and connect people through performing arts. We are pleased to join others in the National Portfolio and are mindful that this was a very competitive process, with some receiving less positive news than we did today and our thoughts are with them. We continue to be grateful of Arts Council England’s support, and will ensure the work we do has the greatest impact it can.”
During this time, we will bring extraordinary events to extraordinary places – like town centres, village squares, beaches and hilltops – for everyone to enjoy. We will produce two Inside Out Dorset festivals, in 2023 and 2025. We will support our performing arts community, bring people together, offer advice, and provide access to learning and resources. As a not-for-profit organisation, we work in many ways and with many partners. Our team may be small but we’re agile, expert and have a will to make things happen. And we’ve been doing this for over 30 years.
Michael Noonan, Chair of Activate comments, “Receiving this funding from Arts Council England means that Activate can continue to break down barriers and reach the widest possible audiences, while celebrating the landscape around us. I am delighted that the team’s hard work has been recognised in this way.”
As part of the funding application process we had to supply plans for activity that supports Arts Council England’s Investment Principles and Let’s Create strategy (their plan to transform villages, towns and cities with creativity and culture). Now the work begins to put these plans into action. In everything we do, we have just two rules: anything’s possible and everyone’s invited.
About Activate
Activate exists to promote, support and produce performing arts projects in our communities. Bringing world-class events to unexpected places, like town centres, village squares, beaches and hilltops. And we’ve been doing it for over 30 years.
Our aim is it break down barriers and reach the widest possible audiences, while celebrating our natural landscape and sense of place. Supporting our performing arts community is at the heart of everything we do. We bring people together, offer advice, and provide access to learning and resources. We’re here to help creatives at all levels on their journey towards creating outstanding, inspiring work.
As one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, we receive regular funding to initiate, develop and sustain a range of dance, theatre and outdoor arts opportunities for the people of Dorset and the South West. We are also core funded by Dorset Council and BCP Council. As a not-for-profit organisation, we work in many ways and with many partners. Our team may be small, but we’re agile, expert and very well connected, with a will to make things happen.
Photo credit – Inside Out Dorset, Sense of Unity, photo: Finbarr Webster