Good news – joint investment in dance in Norrbotten
Dance in Norrbotten is being strengthened in a new cooperation agreement between Region Norrbotten and Piteå Municipality. The agreement secures the dance halls at Acusticum, opens the premises to more actors and places a new dance consultant in Piteå.
Dance has long been an important part of Piteå's cultural life. Since Luleå University of Technology closed its dance teacher training program, the question of the continued existence of the dance halls has been uncertain. Now it is resolved with Piteå Municipality financing the rent for the dance halls - a commitment in the new cooperation agreement.
– It feels great that we have secured the fine dance halls that are absolutely world-class. They will not be converted into offices or anything else, so now we can look forward and continue working to strengthen dance and promote Piteå as a city of culture, says Kata Nilsson, municipal councilor.
An important new feature in the agreement is that the premises will now be opened up to more actors – the range will range from local children's dance to professional productions and residencies.
From children's dance to Age on Stage where the dancers are a little older. Now the halls will be used by more dancers, regardless of whether it is at a professional or amateur level.
Another dance consultant
The initiative includes Region Norrbotten hiring a dance consultant based at Dans i Nord in Piteå. This, together with enhanced operational support, creates a resource center for professional dance activities in Norrbotten. Some collaboration will take place with the regional dance consultant who is already at Region Norrbotten based in Luleå.
– We want dance to develop throughout the county and it will do so thanks to this investment. It is both about dancing in the fantastic halls at Acusticum, but also about dance reaching all of Norrbotten, says Johannes Sundelin, chairman of the regional development committee within Region Norrbotten.
Olof Westring, artistic director of Dans i Nord, shows the top-class dance halls.
The dance halls will be managed and operated by Dans i Nord as part of their operations. Dans i Nord is managed by Piteå Municipality and in collaboration with Region Norrbotten and the Swedish Arts Council, the operation has had a major influence on the development of dance in the county for a long time. This year, Dans i Nord celebrates 25 years and will develop and broaden its operations as a result of the investment.
– With access to our own premises in Piteå, a resource center is being created that will promote dance as a performing art throughout Norrbotten. We will work broadly to ensure that the dance halls are used by everyone from children and young people to professional dancers. We see it as a step towards developing Piteå's role as a creative hub for dance, says Olof Westring, artistic director of Dans i Nord.
– In the ongoing green transition, it is important to create an attractive society where people want to live and reside. Culture and dance play an important role here and I am happy that Piteå is taking the lead in this, says Johannes Sundelin.
Decisions on the new cooperation agreement were recently made by Piteå Municipality's City Council and the Regional Development Committee.
Photo: Piteå Municipality
