Wales’ national contemporary dance company has appointed an Irish choreographer to be its new artistic director following Caroline Finn’s surprise decision to step down.
The new AD will be Fearghus Ó Conchúir who will be in post by autumn 2018.
He said, “It’s an honour to take on this role as Artistic Director of NDCWales. What excites me about the company is how we use dance to express an inclusive and robust vision of what Wales is and can be in the future. I’m joining a company that’s up for bringing its work from the stage and the studio to all kinds of other platforms – from nightclubs to social clubs, from schools to care homes, online and up close. I want to support the company to learn from all kinds of people and places across Wales and to make connections between them and the international dance network in which NDCWales already represents Welsh talent and potential.”
The Company said that with more than 20 years experience as a choreographer, performer, teacher and mentor, Fearghus has most recently worked as Artistic Director of The Casement Project, one of Arts Council of Ireland’s largest projects for the centenary commemorations of the 1916 Easter Rising. It engaged 90,000 people in a varied programme of dance events and was also one of the 14-18 NOW co-commissions for the centenary of the First World War.
The Company said that, born and raised in Ireland, Fearghus has presented his choreography in the UK, across Europe, the USA and China, collaborating with award-winning performers, directors, composers and designers. He has also worked as a dance teacher for companies such as Adventures in Motion Pictures, Arc Dance, Company and Ballet Preljocaj, as well as being a lecturer on professional training courses at LCDS, Middlesex University and London Studio Centre. He has gained a wealth of artistic experience and an international network of creative collaborators and partners in and beyond dance. He holds a strong focus on diversity and has developed dance projects within the LGBT and refugee communities, with dance enthusiasts over 50, and with Irish integrated dance company, Croí Glan.
In addition to being a Fellow of the Clore Leadership Programme, Fearghus has gained a wealth of experience as a facilitator, coach, and contributor to the Clore Leadership Programme, having been part of the delivery of its Fellowship, Intensive and Emerging Leaders’ Courses for over ten years.. He has also worked with Clore to deliver the Advanced Cultural Leadership Programme in Hong Kong.
Caroline Finn, who remains with the Company and was appointed Resident Chorepgrahper in December last year.