As producer Vicky Rutherford-O'Leary explains, key to their service is offering a supportive environment for dance artists; where the conditions are flexible and responsive to their needs: "we aim to help dance artists to flourish and be inspired - allowing the time and space for the creative process, by alleviating some of the stresses and challenges faced by trying to manage all the elements of their work".

As well as contributing vital producing and project management skills, Catalyst also maintain an outlook on the sector as whole, working closely with companies, producing/presenting partners and funders to match and develop audiences for dance in Scotland; and assisting those they help to build connections locally, nationally and internationally.

Since its inception, they've helped a range of companies - including Janis Claxton Dance, Curious Seed, David Hughes Dance, Stammer Productions, Freshmess and Room 2 Manoeuvre - to create and co-produce award winning work for touring. And the increased ambition and success of Scotland’s dance sector in recent years means their services are more in demand than ever. Vicky adds:

"2013 has started with a bang and a bulging portfolio - including a dynamic new dance theatre production from Alan Greig and Grant Smeaton; a beautiful new performance installation from Janis Claxton; and our first foray into producing a work for children with a charming piece devised by Christine Devaney (Curious Seed) and Leandro Kees.

"We hope to further develop the services we offer this year and to sustain our vital and accessible producers’ hub- to strategically support a wider range of both emerging and established artists and companies."

Catalyst also offer free advice and consultancy whenever possible in one-off surgery sessions for dance artists working professionally. If you want to share your ideas and creative plans or discuss any funding application that you may be considering, visit the Dance Base website for details on how to make an appointment.

What the sector has to say:

“Part of the wonder of Catalyst is the enablement of the choreographer’s vision and the passion and commitment to take forward the artists ideas…this has often resulted in my work evolving in ways I would not have seen as possible, bringing a shared vision between myself and the production team and supporting both my company’s growth and my artistic growth” - Janis Claxton, Choreographer and Artistic Director of Janis Claxton Dance.

“Catalyst Dance management provide a unique and essential service to artists based in Scotland. As producers offering an all-encompassing package any dance organisation would feel secure and privileged to be supported by them. Without their help and support over the years I would have struggled to continue to access funding and deal with the pressure of the business side of the arts.” - Alan Greig, Choreographer and Artistic Director of AGDT.

Watch a snippet of Janis Claxton Dance's Chaos & Contingency at Kelvingrove Gallery below:

Main image: Chalk About by Curious Seed (photo: Eoin Carey)
Article image: Do You Nomi? by Alan Greig Dance Theatre/Grant Smeaton (photo: Paul Watt)

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