PANDA Update: New Members, New Director, New Projects
So far, 2009 has been all about the new for PANDA.
"PANDA is an invaluable resource for the North West and beyond. The brilliant work the organisation does with artists from across the region is felt in theatres and arts centres across the UK." David Micklem, Producer, Battersea Arts Centre
This year so far, PANDA has:
-
Said goodbye to Director and PANDA founder, Liz O’Neill, who left the organisation after 6 and a half years to take up the post of Chief Executive at Zion Arts Centre in Hulme.
- And greeted in her place new PANDA Director, Anne-Marie Crowther, a former dancer and experienced arts and business manager, coach and mentor.
- Increased our membership to an incredible 850 individuals and more than 230 organisations from all disciplines of the performing arts; theatre, dance, live art, street art, spoken word and circus.
- Welcomed over 200 new members from Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire
and Cumbria since expanding our geographical reach in 2008 to cover the
whole of the North West region.
- Supported members working
as performers, writers, directors, producers, choreographers,
technicians, designers and photographers; people working at venues,
rehearsal spaces, training providers and industry organisations; plus
many others working in the performing arts or related services.
Pointed Arrow present Leonard's Bones.
Photo by Matt Tullett.
We've also:
- Delivered 38 Network Newsletters to our members, packed with an average of 40 different news items, opportunities and events each week.
"I have found the PANDA network an invaluable service which has kept me in touch, in work and in theatre!”
- Admitted around 250 people to 8 Creative Conversations and 5 Spotlight On events.
"The event was fab and I feel re-energised and ready for work and the world tomorrow. Thanks."
- Recruited five new incubated producers onto the PANDA Producers Consortium, who will receive mentoring and development support from PANDA to grow their careers.
- Supported a total of 18 artists through the North West Artists Development Programme
(NWADP), providing 5 bursaries, 26 one-to-one advice sessions and free
marketing support to enable them to make the most of the opportunities
afforded by the Decibel Performing Arts Showcase.
- In addition to this intensive programme of support for selected artists, we delivered a series of three Spotlight On
events in partnership with Contact and Zion Arts Centre as part of the
NWADP, which attracted a total of nearly 100 participants.
Volunteers role play at Spotlight On Presenting Yourself at
Contact, September 2009.
Plus, PANDA has:
- Developed our services for young people through the work of a dedicated Project Officer, running a careers day and going into schools to provide information on performing arts careers choices.
- Received Awards for All funding to develop our young people’s services further by setting up Creative Breaks,
a placement programme for young people and people with disabilities to
gain valuable work experience in a performing arts organisation.
- Embarked on an exciting new partnership project alongside GMMAZ, Music
Leader NW and Substance. Funded by the Cultural Leadership Programme,
the Leadership Lab project will develop an experimental, credible and aspirational model of leadership learning.
Participants get involved at Young People's Careers Day at
Zion Arts Centre, February 2009.
Get involved
All that and we’ve still got over two months of 2009 to go! There is plenty more to look forward to for the rest of the year and on into 2010. So don’t miss out, make sure you’re involved with PANDA as we move forward into this exciting new era in our development.
"Any young or emerging performing artist or company would find it a far harsher environment to exist in, let alone flourish, without the invaluable support, guidance and warm encouragement offered by PANDA." George Harris, arts and business consultant, formerly of Horse + Bamboo and Lanternhouse International
Not a member yet? Register now for your three month free trial to take advantage of our range of services.
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Interested in a challenging voluntary role? PANDA are currently seeking a new Chair for our Board of Directors. We're looking for a strong, well-connected individual who is knowledgeable and passionate about supporting a dynamic and viable performing arts sector in the North West. Find out more about the Chair vacancy.
For more information about PANDA, to have a chat about the Chair role or discuss how we can work together please contact Anne-Marie Crowther on 0161 274 0629, email anne-marie@panda-arts.org.uk.
We look forward to working with you and for you!