Artists involved (from top left to bottom right): Chinasa Vivian Ezugha, Emilia Robinson, Esther Huss-Oates, Ingrid Mackinnon, Jreena Green, Rachael Davies, Seke Chimutengwende, Susan Kempster, Jacky Lansley, Timothy Taylor, Ursula Early, Zosia Jo and Lucy Tuck.
In 2020 Dance Research Studio (DRS) secured funds from the Arts Council England Emergency Fund, to create a new programme of participatory activities in response to the impact of the Covid Crisis. ’The Free Artist?' is one of the research projects which was part of that programme.
Chaired by Artistic Director Jacky Lansley, DRS had a dialogue with 12 artists through online group meetings and shared writing. Participants were asked to reflect on issues they face as freelance, independent artists, concerning: identity, visibility, professional context and economic stability – and how organisations, including DRS, could expand support and contribute to positive change.
Click here to see creative outcomes from this project, including a short documentary film and artists’ writings, on this page.
Since its foundation in 2002, Dance Research Studio (DRS) has constantly sought to support and promote inclusive practice, artistic ambition, risk taking, collaboration, environmental responsibility and bold leadership. The organisation is part of a national ecology of UK smaller arts organisations that offer flexible off and online access and resources to mainly freelance, innovative artists who often work across disciplines. This community takes risks, generates new strategies and finds ways of working that are relevant to many different and diverse communities; traditionally it feeds mainstream culture with fresh talent and ideas, often without due recognition.DRS will continue to offer vital support to the independent performing arts community, who are primarily freelance practitioners identified as economically very vulnerable during the Covid-19 crisis (and beyond).