Arts Council England has launched its biggest ever consultation on dance and is inviting everyone involved in the art form to have their say.

The major assessment will be the largest undertaking of its kind, and will create a picture, or ‘map’, of dance in England. The map will influence the Arts Council’s future funding of dance and help create a stronger and more sustainable art form.

The survey is available online at www.artscouncil.org.uk/dancemapping. There are three surveys; one for venues, one for local authorities and one for anyone working in dance.

Janet Archer, Director of Dance Strategy, Arts Council England said; “Dance in this country is thriving; we are seeing new projects, audiences and investment emerging everywhere. That’s great, but we need to pin down facts so we can monitor growth, and keep track of how dance performs against other art forms.

“If you’re involved in dance in England in any way we want you to hear your comments and opinions. This is your chance to help gather the evidence needed to encourage greater investment in dance and create a vibrant future for dance.”

Arts Council England has appointed Susanne Burns and Sue Harrison to undertake the consultation. Both have worked extensively in the dance sector and are respected as experienced arts consultants.

The mapping project will pull together existing and new research to create a picture of the dance world; its ecology, economy and environment and its various segments and processes. It is due to be completed by March 2009.

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/pressnews/press_detail.php?browse=recent&id=1247