Border dance initiative receives €250k

One of nine cross-border creative and cultural projects awarded.

A Border based dance initiative led by Cavan County Council has received funding worth €250,000.

It is one of just nine cross-border creative and cultural projects awarded funding under the Creative Communities on a Shared Island funding scheme announced earlier this morning.

Dance Connects in Rural Border Regions also involves Monaghan County Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, UCD, QUB and Dance Communities Partners.

Among those participating are the Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre, Fermanagh Scottish Country Dancers, Urban Motion, Fusion Dance, Cavan dancer Jessie Keenan Modern Country Moves, Belturbet flamenco specialist Rebeca Sanchez, Cavan Set dancers and sean nós club.

A 24-month creative collaboration the aim will be to build networks, share skills, develop a database and website, alongside a comprehensive public engagement programme.

It is one of two key projects to receive €250,000 for what has been described as large-scale music, dance and crafting initiatives to be delivered over the next two years.

Speaking after the funding announcement Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD stated: “Coming from Monaghan myself I am very aware of the potential   creative partnerships have in building new relationships and bringing communities together. Each of these projects has its own unique approach to creative exchange, and Local Authorities and their cross-border networks play an important role in enhancing people-to-people and community-to-community connections.”