STEP UP Dance Project is thrilled to announce its new artistic curator; choreographer Fearghus Ó Conchúir.
Fearghus Ó Conchúir is a renowned dance artist who frequently collaborates with practitioners from other disciplines and is a champion for what dance can help us understand about how we live in the world.
His film and live performances, presented around the world, create frameworks for audiences and artists to build communities together. His multi-platform work, The Casement Project, was one of the Arts Council’s National Projects for Ireland 2016 and was also part of the Ireland 2016 International Programme and of the 14-18now programme of WWI Centenary Art Commissions.
As well as being the current deputy chair of the Arts Council of Ireland, from 2018-2020 Fearghus was Artistic Director of National Dance Company Wales, he was the first Ireland Fellow on the Clore Leadership Programme, and is a former board member of; The BBC Performing Arts Fund, Project Arts Centre, Dance Digital, Create and Dance Ireland.
Fearghus Ó Conchúir says of his appointment as STEP UP artistic curator: ‘It’s been a difficult period for dance artists, particularly new graduates. For that reason, I’m really looking forward to working with STEP UP to support a new generation of dance talent to connect to the artistic and wider community in Ireland.’
About STEP UP Dance Project
STEP UP is a programme of professional development for recent dance graduates from Ireland or based in Ireland. It introduces audiences in Ireland to a group of fresh dance talent that will enrich the country’s dance ecology for years to come. It is a partnership between Dance Limerick, Dance Ireland, The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, and the Arts Council.
Since STEP UP began in 2011, the project has helped 64 talented young dance graduates to bridge the gap between dance education and professional contemporary dance practice, and to assist them in building networks that support a professional career.
STEP UP exists to support the development of skilled dance artists to contribute to the growing dance ecology in Ireland and to help affirm the place of dance in the country’s cultural, social and political life. The programme is committed to equality of opportunity, supports and encourages under-represented groups and values diversity.
Details of the STEP UP 2022 Open Call coming Wednesday 6 October.
