As International Women’s Day and Women History Month is celebrated across the world this month, the pioneering female led dance organisation in Bournemouth paves the way for a new era for women leaders in the South West.
Pavilion Dance South West, now in its tenth year at its iconic venue in the heart of Bournemouth, is the centre of excellence for dance in the region working with world-class choreographers and dance companies and supporting the wellbeing of the local community through dance.
This year, in celebration of 10 years of the Equality Act, diversity and inclusion is at the forefront of their mission and are launching a new Women Leaders programme that aims to empower women from all backgrounds across the South West.
Zannah Chisholm, Artistic Director and CEO at Pavilion Dance South West is keen to address inequality within the arts at leadership level, “Women are under-represented at a leadership level across all art forms in theatres, festivals, galleries, and museums. Racism, ableism, transphobia, homophobia, economic constraints and caring responsibilities also create barriers to career development. Through this programme, we want to understand these barriers and develop tools to tackle them.”
Pavilion Dance South West is working in partnership with 7 other arts organisations and Southampton Business School and The Women of the World Foundation (WOW foundation), which is a global movement celebrating women and girls, taking a frank look at the obstacles they face. Festivals take place year-round across the world, and in London this March.
Women Leaders South West programme is inviting women to take part in a 10-month leadership programme that includes work placements, mentoring and training with Southampton Business School. It will take place between June 2020 and December 2021. For more details visit https://www.pdsw.org.uk/news/women-leaders-south-west-call-for-applicants/