Pavilion Dance secures £200k funding award to create 3-year community programme
Pavilion Dance South West (PDSW) is delighted to have secured funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for a new three-year partnership with Poole Communities Trust, creating two new Assistant Producer job roles to deliver an inspiring community initiative in the local Poole area.
Rooted in shared values of creativity, empowerment, and community wellbeing, the partnership brings together two local charities that aim to increase access to opportunities for children, young people, and families in the local area. By working alongside local residents, listening to their voices, and what their needs are the project seeks to inspire greater participation in dance, movement and cultural activity — and to celebrate the joy and lasting benefits that creativity can bring.
The initiative will focus on 2 local areas in Poole, Dorset including Bourne Valley and Turlin Moor, with the aim of: improving physical health through fun, accessible dance and movement activities; enhancing mental wellbeing by bringing people together and creating opportunities to learn new skills; and reducing social isolation and creating lasting positive memories through the arts.
Two Assistant Producers have been recruited from Bourne Valley and Turlin Moor and take up their roles in November 2026. They will receive full training and support from Pavilion Dance South West and Poole Communities Trust and together, they will help build stronger local connections and champion creative engagement in their communities.
Helen Keall, Executive Director Joint CEO at Pavilion Dance South West, said:
“We’re delighted to have secured funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and to be working in partnership with Poole Communities Trust — an organisation that shares our values and commitment to increase access to opportunities and work deeply within local communities. Through our expertise in dance and movement, we bring a host of benefits to local people, helping to improve health, confidence, and connection. We are also excited to welcome the two new Assistant Producers who will bring the voice of their community into the heart of Pavilion Dance and help shape our work for years to come.”
Katie Jeffries, Charity Manager, Poole Communities Trust, added:
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to celebrate creativity and community spirit in 2 local Poole communities. And we’re thrilled to have local voices at the heart of the project with the appointment of 2 local assistant producers to ensure residents are at the centre of what is created. We look forward to supporting residents to get involved, finding out what challenges they face and support increased community participation and a lasting difference.”
For the latest Pavilion Dance news, visit www.pdsw.org.uk
Image credit Pavilion Dance