Thousands sign petition to save dance organisation

Deda said Covid and a slow recovery after the pandemic had proved too challenging

A petition to save a dance organisation in Derby has been backed by more than 3,200 people.

Deda, a charity which runs a dance and movement venue in Chapel Street, said on 16 August that it was entering voluntary insolvency with a "heavy heart".

Trustees said a slow recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic and rising costs placed "significant" pressures on operations.

A petition to support the future of the venue has since been set up, describing it as a "beacon of joy".

Organised by Camille Mauduit, who lives in Derby, the petition calls for intervention from Derby City Council to help financially support the charity.

"Deda has been key in enhancing Derby's culture, touching countless lives along its journey and boosting the overall wellbeing of people in our community," she said.

"Its loss would mean a severe blow to our town's cultural landscape."

According to the Charity Commission, for the financial year ending 31 March 2023, Deda's income was almost £800,000 but expenditure was just under £1.06m.

Ticket sales have been suspended by Deda after the announcement

City council leader Nadine Peatfield said she was "deeply saddened" by the news.

"We know that this is a difficult time for all of our cultural partners, which is reflected nationally as the sector rebuilds audiences post Covid-19, in the face of rising costs," she said.

"Our cultural partners are a vital asset at the heart of our ambition for a vibrant city centre.

"We are working proactively with Deda and exploring all possibilities to try to save this important arts and community provision as fast as we can."

A spokesperson for the Arts Council, which has supported Deda over the years, said: "As a funder of the organisation we are in conversation with them about appropriate next steps."

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