Nurturing Dance Artists: Behind the Scenes of Our Artist Development Programmes

Alongside our annual festival programme, we are deeply proud to offer a range of artist development initiatives that nurture creativity, open doors to new opportunities, and build meaningful local and international connections.

In this new video, we hear directly from artists who have taken part in our residency and development programmes. They share how these experiences have helped them create new work, expand their practice, and connect with peers and audiences at home and abroad. Their voices remind us why investing in artists is vital – because behind every performance is a journey of exploration, collaboration and growth.

Through initiatives like the DDF Artist in Residence, Navigate International Residency (our partnership with La Biennale de Lyon / La Maison de la Danse in Lyon, France and Tawain Week, hosted by the National Theater Concert Hall in Taipei, Tawain), Originate – Platform for New Irish Work, the Visiting Artist Programme (a Creative Europe project), and the DDF Artist Pass, we aim to create space for dance artists in Ireland to dream bigger, take risks and feel supported as they develop their practice and work, and share their vision with the world.

Whether through residencies that spark international exchange, platforms that showcase new Irish work to global presenters or opportunities to experience the festival as a community of peers, these programmes are designed to champion the extraordinary creativity of artists working in Ireland today.

We are delighted to share this glimpse into their journeys, and to celebrate the future of dance together.

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