Northern School of Contemporary Dance is delighted to announce Akeim Toussaint Buck as the next CATAPULT artist for 2018/19.
CATAPULT is a 12 month-long artist development programme run in partnership with Spin Arts Management. It is awarded to an emerging dance maker based in Yorkshire, at a critical stage in their career. As the latest recipient of the programme, Akeim will benefit from access to rehearsal space, bespoke mentoring, tailored business advice, a £3000 development fund and the opportunity to stage new work at Riley Theatre.
Akeim, working under the name 'Toussaint to Move', is the fourth artist of the programme to date. His cross-disciplinary practice combines dance, writing, film, poetry, beat-box, singing and acting to create performances bringing diverse audiences together.
On hearing the news Akeim had this to say:
"I'm both surprised and enthused to be the next CATAPULT recipient. Surprised as I know there were many amazing artists who applied for this opportunity, so to be chosen out of this pool is an achievement. I look forward to being more enriched in the workings of the dance industry, developing my career and my vision. It is with an open mind and open heart, I take these next steps."
Akeim was selected from among applicants to the programme by Janet Smith MBE, NSCD Principal, and Sarah Shead, Director & Creative Producer of Spin Arts Management.
Speaking of the selection process Janet Smith said:
‘Both Sarah Shead and I were inspired by the artists we met and their ideas, passion and commitment to their practices, which made choosing just one artist to support extremely difficult. The quality of applications we received is testament to the vision and artistry of recent graduates currently working as independents in the sector today’.
Previous CATAPULT artists include Carlos Pons Guerra (National Dance Award nominee 2015), Gracefool Collective (recipients of the Underbelly Untapped Award for innovative new writing) and Crystal Zillwood.
To find out more about Akeim and his work, visit: toussainttomove.com
