The Diversifying Curatorial Stewardship Programme (DCS) is Dance Umbrella’s multi-year initiative (2026-2028) designed to transform curatorial leadership within the UK and international dance ecology.
The project responds to a clearly evidenced sector gap: the absence of visible, supported career pathways for curators — particularly Black/Brown Global Majority, predominantly female‑identifying and non-binary practitioners — and the resulting lack of diversity within those who shape artistic programmes, narratives and decision‑making.
DCS aims to create structural, long‑term change by widening who curates, how curation is practiced, and who has access to networks, resources and influence.
Programme Structure
1. A National & International Steering Group
A network of partners – Fabric, DanceEast, The Lowry and Aerowaves co‑invests in, shapes and tests new models of curatorial leadership.
2. A Professional Development Pipeline
A structured pathway for emerging curators includes: Guest Curator roles embedded in DU Festivals 2026–28, with guest curations presented at partner venues (including nottdance, produced by Fabric) in 2027+2028; Curatorial Fellowships within DU’s annual festival cycle (first in 2027, second in 2028); two annual residencies (’27 hosted by Dance East & ’28 by Fabric) that develop skills around curation with mentoring, restorative care and an on-going development plan (with budget), 10 places per residency and International research visits for Guest Curators and Curatorial Fellows, e.g. African Dance Biennale (Senegal), and Aerowaves Startup Forum and Spring Forward (Ireland/Netherlands). The Guest Curator for 2026 is further supported by Backstage Trust.
This pipeline creates multiple entry points for early‑stage curators with different practices and levels of experience.
3. A Sector‑Facing Advocacy Campaign
The programme shares learning widely through: Panels, convenings and symposiums; think pieces, recorded conversations, case studies, digital content and international dissemination. This work aims to shift sector culture, influence programming practices, and build momentum for non‑hierarchical, inclusive leadership models.
4. International Focus (British Council‑supported strand)
Across 2026–27, DCS includes a dedicated ODA (Official Development Assistance)‑focused curatorial track, in partnership with the British Council. Key components include: International research and festival visits (e.g. Senegal, Cape Verde, Mozambique); hosting ODA visiting artist delegations at DU Festivals and ODA‑focused programming within DU Festivals 2026 & 2027. This international dimension strengthens global connections, broadens artistic influence, and supports more nuanced contextualisation of international artists in UK settings.
Impact and Objectives
Through its combined strands, DCS intends to deliver:
For individuals
Clear, resourced pathways into curatorial leadership; increased skills and experience, access to networks, and visibility and access to international contexts and cross‑cultural dialogue.
For organisations
Internal shifts in curatorial models, recruitment, decision‑making and leadership practices and stronger relationships with diverse practitioners and global partners.
For the sector
A more diverse and representative curatorial community; new non‑hierarchical approaches to programming; shared learning that influences long‑term cultural policy and practice and stronger UK–international connections.
For audiences
A wider, more globally representative dance canon and more relevant, welcoming and culturally reflective programming.
In Summary
The Diversifying Curatorial Stewardship is a major systemic‑change programme designed to reimagine who curates dance, how curatorial power is held, and how diverse perspectives can shape the future of the artform.
Through a combination of structured development pathways, international collaboration, organisational change work and sector advocacy, DCS seeks to create long‑lasting impact, ensuring the dance ecology becomes more equitable, connected, imaginative and representative.
Funders: Arts Council England, British Council, Backstage Trust and Fonds Podiumkunsten.
Partners: Aerowaves, DanceEast, Fabric and The Lowry
