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VOLUNTEERS – We need you!

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"Join Our Team" in a white circle, on a navy background. In the middle a group of FRONTLINEdance participants are seated and standing holding up a thumbs and smiling. Below is the FRONTLINEdance logo.

FRONTLINEdance are looking for volunteers to support dance workshops for wheelchair users with complex disabilities and their families.

You’ll be needed from 10:45am-12:15pm on a Saturday during term and with a few longer sessions on ad-hoc days during the holidays. We understand that you may not be able to make every week, and that’s OK. So please still get in touch if you can help us just a few times as well as on a regularly or as many time as you’d like!

There is a range of duties you can chose to help us with including:

  • Welcoming families
  • Chatting to and supporting the participants
  • Workshop assisting – supporting the lead artists and families
  • Making hot and cold drinks

This is also a great opportunity for teachers, T/A’s, Personal assistants and carers to get ideas of how to create inclusive dance sessions for wheelchair users with complex disabilities. 

We need volunteers for leaflet distribution too, so please let us know if you can help.

Travel costs will be reimbursed. More information will be provided once you have registered your interest. 

To register please complete our online registration form: https://forms.office.com/e/bT4aEWEyee

Contact Rachael or Amy if you need any further information:

rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk  (07484 874335)  amy@frontlinedance.co.uk (07356 053432)

If you want to volunteer for us but not for this project, please still get in touch. We have lots of opportunities to get involved in FRONTLINEdance!

Frontline Arts Festival – a brilliant: warm, welcoming, engaging, thought-provoking, fun day, where I have felt included and I feel a sense of belonging to this wonderful creative community.  

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  Photography by Jenny Harper

Article by Caroline Butterwick…

“I was a bit nervous about coming along today, but everyone seems really friendly,” a fellow festival attendee says as we sit and chat over coffee in the Main Hall of the Catalyst Building at Staffordshire University. We’re here for the Frontline Arts Festival, a celebration of disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent artists, taking place for the day on 28th March. Led by FRONTLINEdance, the event is filled with performances, panels and networking.

As a disabled writer – I’m visually impaired and have experienced mental ill health – I’m curious to discover what today brings. One of the things I’m particularly interested in is the accessibility of a big event like this, as I know that access and inclusion is an important part of FRONTLINEdance’s approach. As much as I enjoy arts events, I often face barriers, from not being able to see what’s happening on stage to feeling anxious in crowded spaces. Like the participant I spoke to earlier, I admit to being a little nervous too, as much as I’m looking forward to the day.

And like my fellow festival attendee, I’m already reassured. There are lots of volunteers, sporting FRONTLINEdance t-shirts, who make sure to welcome people as they arrive, and who explain how the day will work. Being given a printed out schedule on arrival has been helpful too, as I’m someone who likes certainty and structure. 

And soon, I’m speaking with Tim Calvert, a professional audio describer, who sets me up with a headset so I’ll be able to hear his live audio commentary of the day. I often use audio description when going to the theatre, and am pleasantly surprised that the headset Tim hands me is comfier than ones I’ve used previously. It had one earpiece, which rests gently over my right ear, and a couple of cables connecting it to a small control so I can change the volume and turn it on and off. 

I filter into the Gallery room, an impressive space with a stage at the front and then rows of chairs that are already filling up. I take a seat near the front, and listen as musician Katy Rose Bennett strums her guitar and sings her ethereal folk songs. Tim is sitting at the back of the room, and I hear him through my earpiece as he fills in the visual details, everything from Katy’s blue Gibson to the layout of the room. I can still hear Katy’s music clearly over the audio description. Tim points out that there are two British Sign Language interpreters working today, one of whom is currently at the front of the room giving a BSL interpretation of Katy’s lyrics. 

Rachael Lines, who’s the Artistic Director of FRONTLINEdance, takes to the stage. She gives an audio description of herself, and introduces the event. “The whole point of today is that you meet someone new,” she says, and I realise I’ve already met one new person, and it’s not even 10.30am. She explains how the Frontline Arts Festival aims to get more disabled artists work, and the plan for there to be more performances throughout the year.

The day brings a mix of talented people to the accessible stage. We enjoy poetry from Shaun Fallows that weaves together humour and emotion; and confessional, poignant poems from Louise Fazackerley and Natasha Tingle exploring mental health. 

There is an engaging panel discussion, chaired by Kelsie Acton, who is a neurodivergent access consultant, and researcher, where artists discuss the reality of working as disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent creatives. The audience makes the most of asking questions to the panel on topics such as what best practice looks like in supporting disabled artists, and I find myself nodding my head at so much of what they say – everything from the issues of tokenism in the arts to what makes an event truly accessible. 

Tim’s audio description is helpful throughout, but for me, it’s most valuable when it comes to the premiere of the screen dance film, What? Me, Worry?, shown on a large screen at the front of the room. The film is by FRONTLINEdance associate artist Kayleigh Price and filmmaker Jay Gearing, two neurodivergent artists who have collaborated to create a screen dance film exploring Kayleigh’s lived experience of anxiety. 

As the film plays, Tim describes the action on the screen: the scene at the start, and then Kayleigh’s dance – how her body arches, convulses, how she reaches for the sky. It isn’t just a literal description of her movement – there is a level of insight and depth that helps me fill in the emotion. I learn of how she is “moving her body like she has no control over it”, how she’s “struggling with what she’s experiencing”, how “her face is totally still, showing no emotion like frozen in time”.

Ordinarily, a film like this – especially one without dialogue – would leave me feeling left out. But with this audio description, I feel part of the shared experience. 

So, what does make an event truly accessible? I wonder this as we filter back into the Main Hall for lunch – provided in individual carry bags, so none of my awkward trying to figure out what’s in a buffet. This is also a helpful approach for those with smell sensitivity.  

I ask Gay Hoban, who is an active part of the North Staffs Pensioners’ Convention, about how she has found today’s experience so far. “It’s very inclusive and welcoming,” she says as we chat over lunch. She tells me how the North Staffs Pensioners’ Convention want to run an event around disability, and that her experience at the Frontline Arts Festival has shown the ways an event can be accessible and inclusive. “Today has inspired me,” she says. “And I feel I have contacts now to help make that happen.”

After lunch there is a fascinating presentation with James Lake, a sculptor who works with cardboard, and dancers Welly O’Brien and Victoria Fox-Markiewicz, where they discuss their joint FRONTLINEdance commission which gave the three of them the time to explore new creative ideas through a residency together. Again, Tim gives audio description throughout, describing the images displayed on the screen, like James’s impressive sculptures of people and buildings, crafted entirely from cardboard.  This audio description helps me feel included.

The last main event of the day is a ‘Pitch and Mix’ speed networking event, which is a structured form of networking. It feels more accessible: I’d usually find myself loitering by the drinks table at a standard networking event, nervously scanning the room for someone to speak to and hoping no one notices I’m glugging my fourth cup of coffee. Half of the participants are seated at tables, and the rest of us go between them, with five minutes per table before being asked to switch. This makes it much easier to start conversations as you don’t have to try to find someone to speak to, and is also a great way of meeting a range of people. I have interesting conversations with new people, as well as reconnecting with existing contacts. There are people working across a range of creative disciplines: I speak with dancers, poets, and ceramicists, and leave with new connections made.  

The day ends with more poetry from Shaun and folk music from Katy Rose, and a real sense that this is an event that has impacted so many people positively. Access has been very much woven through the day, which has included BSL interpretation, a chill out room, and lots of staff and volunteers on hand. And, for me, it’s having audio description that allows me to feel an equal part of this experience.    

The day has been brilliant: warm, welcoming, engaging, thought-provoking, fun. I have felt included. I have lots to think about as a disabled artist, and I feel a sense of belonging to this wonderful creative community.    

Caroline Butterwick

FRONTLINEdance seeks board members and a Chair of the Board.

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FRONTLINEdance, as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), 2023-2026, is recruiting for Board Members and a new Chair of the Board.  As a not-for-profit company ltd by guarantee (no shareholders), voluntary board members will support growth and stability to ensure FRONTLINEdance remain a permanent fixture in the arts and disability ecology of the West Midlands and Nationally.

Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm, Monday 11th September 2023

Find out more about FRONTLINEdance, by clicking the link.

We are keen to ensure that the new Chair and Board members represent who we are as an artist-led company. A dance company where d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse, and those with long-term health conditions are at the core of the organisation as leaders, dancers, artists, participants, and audiences. We are also committed to ensure underrepresented groups and communities with whom we frequently work, are represented on our Board. As such, we are keen to receive applications from: 

  • people who represent groups from lower socio-economic backgrounds, from the Global Majority, who are d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse, and/or have long-term health conditions 
  • those who have strategic experience of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area
  • single parents and parents of d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse children including children who have a health condition.   

THE BOARDS PURPOSE: to support FRONTLINEdance to deliver with quality an ambitious activity plan that embeds the Arts Council England’s shared Investment Principles and #Let’s Create strategy.   To advocate for and introduce to potential supporters, partners, investors; to advocate for access and inclusion widely, be objective with the ability to scrutinise and question FRONTLINEdance’s decisions, planning and delivery, to advise the organisation and support in its strategic aims for the long-term organisation development and sustainability.

Being based in Stoke-on-Trent means that our work is positioned to the Levelling-up Agenda, and therefore the Board should also be strong advocates for programming and connecting to those who are harder to reach (due to geographical, social or economic limitations).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDE, COMMITMENT TO:

  • Inclusion and access being embedded and at the centre of all we do and then advocate this externally. The social model of disability is central to all our thinking
  • Ensuring the board can be a place where d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent people can lead, develop and thrive with equity.
  • Supporting the contemporary dance, arts and disability ecology
  • Sector development; carer pathways where barriers are removed for those where academic attainment is not possible. 
  • Arts Council England’s Investment Principles and #Let’s Create Strategy
  • Sound business models for the arts and not-for-profit sector
  • Sector development; giving others the tools, skills and confidence to make their practices accessible and fully inclusive
  • Ability to objectively scrutinise and hold the company to account
  • Supporting FRONTLINEdance staff, to help achieve the aims of the organisation.
  • Fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders/donors.
  • Ensuring adherence and compliance around key policies to e.g. Equality and Diversity, Health & Safety and in all decisions and discussions of the Board.
  • Stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making.

ADDITIONAL FOR THE CHAIR POSITION:

  • Have the ability to Chair meetings where all voices are heard displaying good time management.
  • Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with the board and FRONTLINEdance staff.
  • Liaise regularly with the treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of FRONTLINEdance financial position and to ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the board.
  • Approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.
  • Support and contribute to strategic plans and conduct regular reviews of long-term strategic aims of FRONTLINEdance.
  • Lead and mentor other board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board.
  • Annually review the board structure, role, staff relationships and ensure implementation of agreed changes/developments are carried out.
  • Encourage team working among board members and encourage them to identify and recruit new trustees as required.
  • Represent FRONTLINEdance as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.
  • Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.
  • Facilitate change and address conflict within the board of Trustees, within FRONTLINEdance and liaise with the appropriate FRONTLINEdance staff to achieve this.

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR BOARD:

  1. Your professional networks will be enhanced with opportunities for skills development and career progression.
  2. Develop your sound judgement and interpersonal skills.
  3. Opportunity to lead and work with d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent professionals.’
  4. Make a difference to the local community! Your role helps ensure that FRONTLINEdance remain viable and sustainable.
  5. Support community engagement and community cohesion.
  6. Develop problem-solving, analytic skills and versatility. 
  7. You will play a part in ensuring Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire is a place where d/DEAF, disabled people, neurodivergent, and those with long term health conditions can thrive.

TIME COMMITMENT AND TERMS

  • 2-3 years, with staggered replacement
  • You are required to fully participate in quarterly board meetings usually held via zoom: 20th September 2023, 20th December 2023, 20th March 2024 & 19th June 2024
  • Communication via email and Whatsapp will be necessary.
  • Attend at least one performance or event per year. More is desirable but optional.
  • Check emails and respond in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that FRONTLINEdance pursues its objects (purposes) as defined in its governing document and other relevant legislation/regulations.

Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm, Monday 11th September 2023

Interviews will be held via zoom on Friday 15th September

To express your interest please fill out this form and email it back to Company Development Manager Brian Kokoruwe: brian@frontlinedance.co.uk  

Please let us know if the application form is not accessible to you. We welcome alternate methods of applying.

For your information, we will be holding our AGM and next board meeting on Wednesday 20th September at 6pm via zoom.

Please reach out if you have any queries. You can contact Rachael rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk | 07484 874335 and Brian on the details above.

Thanks you in advance for your time.

Summer Celebration Project!

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An image of 6 women of different ages and ethnicity standing together in a line, with the female to the right of the image in her wheelchair. They all have their arms linked behind and around each other and are smiling. Surroundings: a bright studio with pale wooden flooring with royal blue chair along the back wall

Connected Communities is our Summer Celebration Project, where we celebrate who we are, engage with new participants and audiences, and explore something new each year. It’s about collective joy, meeting new people, learning new things and achieving together!

Throughout the project, FRONTLINEdance will celebrate the Stoke-on-Trent community’s rich culture, heritage and green spaces, by creating a cross-art form celebration event of dance, music, song, costume, spoken word, and creative writing; inspired by and co-created with the local diverse community in which we’re based.

It will be the result of a community participatory programme to encourage different communities to come together to celebrate and share connections, and traditions: Click on this link to find out how you can join us! This is the link to the timetable.

In a spirit of joy and friendship, this project will culminate and be celebrated over the 3 days:

  1. Appetite’s Big Feast on 26th August: snippets and tasters of the work created will be performed in various outside areas of Hanley – Stoke on Trents’ City Centre between 11am and 4pm. We’ll also join the Windrush75 parade.
  2. Tunstall Park on 9th September: A FREE performance and participatory arts event where the audience will be led around different areas of the park where they will be met by a multi-cultural cast of musicians, singers, dancers, and poets. Poems and creative writing will be attached to trees and benches, and a treasure trail will be created. Workshops will take place in the flora hall throughout the day as well as on the grass areas and under the trees.
  3. Inside Social Club type of venue TBC on 10th September: audiences, staff, volunteers and the cast will come together to celebrate what we have achieved with food, conversations and dancing. Pop-up performances will take place throughout the event by the cast, conversation tasks to get people talking to each other and share, along with playing traditional games from different cultures suggested by the cast.

We’ll positively impact the local community, address inequalities, and improve community cohesion. Participants will form new friendships, and understanding, experience collective enjoyment and achievement, celebrate things that are important to them, share them, and engage in the arts and new people for the first time.

The physicality of dance, the creativity of writing, music and song as a fabric of community, the culture marker of costume design, and artwork for promotion, will result in a multi-faceted creative artistic experience full of benefits to everyone who experiences it!

Individuals’ voices, culture and lives will be celebrated with equity and enjoyment.

Connecting Communities: Participants Sessions

IMPORTANT: Due to the nature of the project resulting in performance, the timetable is subject to change. We’ll let you know at least one week in advance of changes. FRONTLINEdance is also waiting for confirmation on the lead musician so that is why there is a (?). You are more than welcome to attend all the sessions even if you are not performing with us. Where it states, ‘Rehearsal for performances’ you can still attend as a volunteer? We’ll have several volunteer jobs for you to do. You can attend as many sessions as you like. Each session will be different. Like all our sessions, all our summer project sessions will be inclusive and you can take part sitting. If you require a BSL interpreter to be at any of the sessions, please let us know as soon as possible.

If you have not already registered with FRONTLINEdance then you are required to do so here: https://forms.office.com/r/fZQdcbTMQM

These sessions are open to all, so please invite your friends, families and colleagues to come and join us too! Just forward this document to them.

Any questions please call Rachael: 07484 874335 or email rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk

All sessions are intergenerational, therefore approximately 5-year-olds to 85-year-olds will be enjoying and achieving together. For Safeguarding, those under 13 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent/carer/older friend or family member. Remember family and friends can join us too.

Lastly, a reminder that we will not be providing any medical or personal care. Therefore, if this is something that you require then you will need to attend with a person who supports you with this.

Thanks for your patience and support, Rachael and the FRONTLINEdance Team.