New appointment to lead Déda

A new director has been appointed at Bondholder Déda to drive forward the venue's development.

Steve Slater is a well-known and respected arts leader with 30 years’ experience working with companies across the UK including the internationally-renowned Tramway arts venue in Glasgow and Citymoves Dance Agency in Aberdeen.

Born and educated in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, Steve has returned to the county to live and work and said that he is excited to re-engage with the regional cultural arts community.

Steve declared: “My vision for Déda is to build on the partnerships established in the city and county so that we are fundamentally intrinsic to cultural life as well as playing an active role in this area’s profile, prosperity and identity.”

“I spent my formative teenage ‘punk’ years hanging out in Derby and playing in a band at venues such as [Bondholder] the Old Bell on Sadler Gate so I was delighted to see how much of the city’s heart has been preserved and to learn more about its ambitions for the future.”

Steve’s appointment was welcomed by Déda’s acting Chair of the Board, Graham Lister: “Steve has a broad skill-set and has been at the forefront of developing contemporary dance and wider arts across the UK and particularly in Scotland.

“These developments perfectly mirror his commitment for working in partnership and his passion for how the arts can inspire people to express themselves.”

Professor Keith McLay, Pro Vice-Chancellor/Dean for the College of Arts, Humanities & Education at Bondholder the University of Derby, added: “The University has a long-standing partnership with Déda, delivering our BA (Hons) Dance and MA Dance and Contemporary Circus courses from its purpose-built facilities and hosting our annual School of Arts end of year Degree Show.

“Our Dance degree achieved 100% overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2019 and we look forward to working with Steve and the team to continue to offer dance students an excellent learning experience.”

Déda’s new Director arrives just in time for the organisation’s #inwiththenew campaign, including brand new classes, a new-look website and inspiration and encouragement for those who have never tried dance before to be brave and #givedanceachance!