Northern School of Contemporary Dance is one of 15 specialist higher education institutions to be awarded a share of a newly announced £9.6 million performing arts fund from the Office for Students.
NSCD will receive £431,000 for the next 4 years which will go some way towards supporting students' educational experience and developing the Higher Education provision at NSCD.
As the only institution to offer professional dance training at conservatoire level in the North of England, NSCD already offers unique opportunities for students to develop their skills and knowledge, and there are plans to evolve the portfolio of courses on offer even further.
Sharon Watson MBE, CEO and Principal of NSCD, said:
“We are pleased with this decision from the OfS which recognises the value and transformative power of the performing arts. Funds we receive will support the work we do in delivering exceptional training for the next generation of aspiring dance artists.”
Darren Carr, Vice Principal and Director of Studies at NSCD, commented:
“NSCD prides itself on the excellent level of access and quality of teaching it has been able to provide for talented young people over the years. This is reflected in our positive student outcomes. Our graduates play a significant role in the dance ecology, both here in the UK and overseas. A previously successful fund from ISTA enabled us to provide an extended study year, greater contact hours and a greater number of professional opportunities through connections made with the sector. The fund from OfS will support our ambition to develop our level 4 and 5 portfolio to support specific workforce development for the future.”
Susan Lapworth, Chief Executive of the OfS, said:
“Students choosing performing arts courses develop diverse skills and have a wide range of career opportunities. The performing arts make a significant economic and cultural contribution to society. They enrich lives and create tens of thousands of jobs across the UK. The OfS’s investment will ensure that current and future generations of students - whatever their background - are able to succeed during their studies and into their careers. The small size and highly specialised approach of the institutions we are funding play an important role in their educational experience of students, and this funding will ensure they can continue to deliver a high-quality experience.”
