The Artz Centre on Hall Green, Up Holland, has been a hive of activity since lockdown measures have begun to ease locally; welcoming back members of the community to engage with creative classes, and to visit the brand new Shakespeare’s Coffee Shop. But did you know that the Artz Centre is also home to the locally-founded, disability-friendly dance company, Divine Days?
Divine Days is an organisation that has taken huge strides in the dance world over the past 8 years; by creating an inclusive and inspiring environment for disabled people to develop a love for dance. The company offers a timetable of exciting classes that explore a variety of dance styles, including: ballet, tap, contemporary, and musical theatre themed sessions designed for little ones, young people and adults with additional needs. Founded by the brilliant Katie Whitehead in 2013, it is clear that Katie’s work has inspired a huge group of people; by using movement and dance as a tool to openly celebrate diversity, and the skills and gifts of every individual.
Regarding this brilliant new partnership, Mark Ashton, founding director of the Artz Centre commented: “At the Artz Centre, we have built a high quality environment in which people can thrive; and as an organisation we are constantly looking for ways to collaborate and evolve. I see this partnership with Divine Days as another great example of that. I believe Katie and her team share the same ethos and desire to provide high quality arts provision for every member of our society”.
With such similar core values to that of the Artz Youth Academy, this thriving local creative partnership sees the Artz Centre playing host to 6 of Divine Day’s “Diddi” classes on Saturday and Tuesday mornings. The Artz Centre are huge advocates for providing creative opportunities that are accessible to people from all walks of life; and with the expertise, skills and experience of the brilliant Divine Days team, this specialist provision for children with additional needs is now available at the Up Holland Artz Centre, located on Hall Green.
“Working with the Artz Centre is one of those big moments that as an organisation we live for. To be able to bring our delivery model to a wider audience is so important especially now we have all been through so much in lockdown. Our SEN children and their families deserve the same opportunity to be impacted by the Arts. Creativity and expression connects us in ways that go beyond the everyday. It gives a safe space to be free for just a little while and to shine bright like the stars they are. Collaborating with Mark and the team at Artz is the beginning of an amazing journey making the Arts accessible to all and bringing our community together”.
– Katie Whitehead (Founder, Divine Days)
To hear more about the inspiring story behind the Divine Days and Artz Centre partnership, you can listen to Katie’s feature episode on The Leadership Club podcast (Episode 2).