History of PANDA
Inspired by input from emerging companies themselves, Performing Arts Network and Development Agency (PANDA) was originally set up as a pilot project in Autumn 2002, in order to provide an essential network and development agency for performing arts practitioners in Greater Manchester. This rose out of discussions between CIDS (Creative Industries Development Service), Contact and ACE (Arts Council England).
The huge demand for this service rapidly became very apparent, with over 100 members joining during the pilot period, two companies incubated, and over 25 practitioners receiving a Business Development Surgery.
In January 2004 PANDA became a Company Limited by Guarantee, with its own Board of Management. The fully-fledged PANDA was launched in January 2004 with a sell-out Showcase event for Incubated Companies and other PANDA network members, presenting a total of 18 performances over less than two days.
By the end of 2004 PANDA's membership had reached nearly 200, with new members joining every week; indicating both the explosion in new performing arts companies and practitioners in the Manchester region, as well as the recognised need for more support.
Prior to the launch of the new PANDA Membership Package we had over 700 members, and in the last four years PANDA has held over 150 individual one-to-one advice sessions and 44 Surgery days with 111 clients. We have answered countless business development issues via email and telephone, incubated 10 companies and provided 7 mentor schemes. One way or another PANDA has met with and assisted over 300 performing arts practitioners in the North West.
