Dancenorth nationally recognised as a major player

In a major win for the Queensland arts sector, award-winning Townsville based company Dancenorth has been recognised on a national scale, after securing a place in the new National Performing Arts Partnership Framework (NPAPF).

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said Dancenorth’s addition to the NPAPF was a Queensland success story, and particularly significant for regional Queensland.

“This outstanding achievement is a testament to Dancenorth’s 35-year history as a leading contemporary dance company whose talents and achievements are now recognised on a national level,” Minister Enoch said.

“Dancenorth has connected with audiences nationally and internationally through its critically acclaimed works and it’s wonderful this organisation from Townsville is now included in the national framework.

“Arts organisations are key to Queensland’s economic recovery, each year injecting $8.5 billion into the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 Queensland jobs, so this national recognition is great for regional Queensland,” Ms Enoch said.

Member for Townsville and Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the decision recognises Dancenorth’s commitment to partnering with First Nation peoples, their deep connection to the local community, and legacy of productions that tell Queensland stories.

“Dancenorth truly is one of Townsville’s greatest cultural exports, and today’s announcement means that audiences everywhere will be able to experience the company’s dynamic work for many years to come,” Minister Stewart said.

“The company’s strong artistic direction and strengthened governance is supported through a strong commitment to regional communities, solid partnerships, relationships and collaborations to grow new audiences here in Queensland and on the world stage.”

Minister Enoch said the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework, a partnership between the Federal government and each state and territory, would provide the stability of eight years of funding with agreements to be issued on a four plus four year basis (2021-2024 and 2025-2028). 

“Dancenorth has a vision to grow, and they have been continuously supporting emerging and established choreographers, guest collaborators and artist-in-residence dancers,” Minister Enoch said.   

“Recognising Dancenorth’s new status and aspirations as an entrant to NPAPF, the Palaszczuk Government will also provide further support to enable the company to increase its touring activities and boost audience access to Dancenorth’s incredible work.”

Ms Hillary Coyne, Dancenorth’s Executive Director, said the inclusion of regionally based organisations within the NPAPF illustrated a genuine shift in the perception of arts and culture in Australia.

“We deeply appreciate the invitation from the State and Federal Governments to join the NPAPF,” Ms Coyne said.

“Such an opportunity will provide us with the stability to carefully plan with deep consideration for what is truly needed by our community.

“We will move into the coming years with a heightened sense of responsibility and gratitude for being able to do the work that we do and take seriously our role to support the health and vitality of the Australian arts and cultural sector more broadly by continuing to find ways to offer opportunities to the many independent artists around the country.”

“We are thrilled to join the other new companies around the country that have been invited into the NPAPF, all of whom represent a unique and important voice. I am hopeful it will ensure a deeper, richer and more diverse representation in our arts and cultural life.”

ENDS

Media contact: Pam Frost 0437 859 987