Chisenhale Dance Space (CDS) has been making space for artists to lead, experiment and create for over 40 years. We support an Artist Community independent artists who shape our programmes, ethos, & ethics. Artists span all ages & roles within experimental performance: as performers, choreographers, teachers, curators, producers & advocates for change in the sector.

Our core purposes are to:

• Offer artist support through our Artist Community
• Give access to affordable & flexible studio hire
• Host classes for children and adults
• Present a boundary-pushing performance programme
• Be a place for artists to take risks, learn from each other & benefit from our communal resources

Experimentation is at the heart of what we do – we seek to challenge how work is made & who gets to make it, with an emphasis on risk-taking & process over product. We aim to make positive change in the arts by developing working practices that are transparent, ethical, anti-racist, anti-ableist, environmentally conscious, & non-discriminatory.

Based in East London for over 40 years, we have been a home for some of the most radical artists in the UK, often long before their work is recognised by the wider sector. We see ourselves as a testing ground for artists to take risks and develop their practices without institutional gatekeeping, at moments in their careers when they can’t access other institutional support.

Funders: 

CDS is grateful to receive support from Garrick Charitable Trust, Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement, Fenton Arts Trust and The Leche Trust. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.