Dance and performing arts centre announces road map to re-opening
Derby-based Déda, the nationally-renowned centre for dance, contemporary circus and outdoor performance, has announced the first stage of its road map to fully re-open.
Before lockdown, the venue on Chapel Street presented more than 70 cultural performances and events a year in the theatre and offered more than 50 classes a week for all ages and abilities.
The venue closed its doors on March 18 and, during lockdown, thousands of people have engaged with Déda’s #LIVEInYourLivingRoom online programme enjoying a range of performances, exhibitions, interviews and workshops.
These will continue in the coming weeks and months including a Facebook watch party with ‘Windows of Displacement’ presented by Toussaint to Move on Thursday 15 October 7.30pm.
There will also be a series of events in Deda’s Cube café|bar including a poetry evening on Thursday 8 October and the CUBE’s monthly book club which can be joined in person (socially distanced and with limited numbers) or online from 29 October.
Coinciding with the reopening of Déda’s building, the Derby Well: ReDressed Arts trail launched on Friday 25 September.
Déda and other cultural organisations are delivering a city-wide arts trail which comprises contemporary well-dressings from public, partner and artist submissions. These include a silk hanging art installation entitled ‘Forest in the City’ by local artists Kat Dodds and Katy Doncaster installed in the CUBE café|bar.
There are plans to resume in-person classes as soon it is safe to do so, in line with Government safety guidelines. A new virtual dance and movement class programme will also be launched from November.
Déda’s CUBE café|bar has now launched a new hot desk offer to give people an alternative to home working including reception service, meeting rooms and locally-sourced, fresh catering available.
From Monday-Wednesday throughout October, there will be an ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ offer with 50% off the set menu and 2-3 course options available. Advanced table-booking is recommended.
CUBE café|bar has also introduced a deliver to your desk menu including new breakfast, lunch and sweet treat menus alongside a new grab and go menu.
Déda director Steve Slater said: “Whilst the difficulties placed on us all by Coronavirus have been immense, I’m proud that Déda has managed the challenges of lockdown, furlough and the ever-present fear of infection.
“As well as maintaining our online presence with audiences, we have also supported fellow arts professionals through workshops and a Twitter Power Hour.
“I am delighted that our doors are finally open again. We look forward to re-establishing the organisation as a leading cultural venue, which brings high quality arts into the region and works to enhance the lives of people across our local communities.
“Our focus is now to play a lead role in the creative fight back and emerge as a safe and forward-looking organisation providing a wonderful environment to enjoy dance and the wider cultural world.”
