The objectives of this initiative are to establish a new independent flagship dance company, which is committed to commissioning dance production across all scales, the employment of dancers, as well as national, North/South and international touring.

This call for proposals is an initiative of the Arts Council and an outcome of the Arts Council’s Dance Policy: Advancing Dance 2022-2025. It is our ambition that the successful application/proposal will undertake activities that are realised on an all-island basis. In the context of the Arts Council’s strategic priorities for the artist and public engagement, the new company’s core objectives and programmes should contribute appropriately to the development of dance professionals and the development of the artform in Ireland whilst securing, growing and diversifying audiences for dance in the short, medium and long term.

New Dance Company – FEI Report 

This report has been commissioned by The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and was awarded to Festival and Events International (FEI). This report is an independent review, intended to assist applicants, leading to the establishment of a new full-time dance company in Ireland as recommended by the Arts Council’s Dance Policy 2022 - Advancing Dance. The report summarises findings from the research, lays out potential parameters for the new company and indicates possible approaches to its running. It aims to help the Arts Council of Ireland to develop its thinking about the company, and potential applicants to understand the company’s likely framework, the environment in which it will work and the range of its possibilities and potential.

Within this report, FEI have consulted widely with the dance sector in both ROI, NI and internationally and this report reflects the findings of this consultation. The budgets and salary scales within the report are not an indication of a limit or target, and are a reflection of the authors’ research, intended to show potential financial planning and are not The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon issued recommendations.  

Download the full report: New Dance Company - FEI Report

Webinar to Share Results of the Feasibility Study

On 5 May 2023, the Arts Council and FEI hosted a webinar for those interested in the New Dance Company call for proposals. The webinar followed the publication of the research report by FEI into the feasibility of the new company, and of the Arts Council’s guidelines for potential applicants.