City dance organisation goes into liquidation

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

A dance organisation in Derby has announced "with a heavy heart" that it is entering into voluntary insolvency.

The charity that runs the dance and movement venue in Chapel Street said it was "impossible" to continue in its current financial situation.

Deda, which began in 1991, said the Covid-19 pandemic and the following slow recovery, with smaller than hoped audience numbers and rising costs, placed "significant" pressures on operations.

But trustees have said despite the "difficult decision", they hope the building and much of what the organisation does can be preserved by stakeholders and partners.

Deda is co-producer of Derby Feste, but in March the 16th annual event was cancelled due to "the current cost-of-living crisis and rising overhead costs".

Sales have been suspended by Deda and anyone who has purchased tickets will be contacted, it said.

Deda has 35 staff, according to the Charity Commission

Deda's chair Corey Mwamba said: "As with many other arts organisations, Deda is facing considerable financial challenges.

"During the insolvency process, we will continue to work with our colleagues across the city, to hopefully find ways that the arts community can move forward together."

It added that Deda staff and artists "will be directly affected" and will be assisted in finding "new opportunities".

The Charity Commission website states Deda has 35 employees.

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.

In its most recent filing to Companies House in December 2023, Deda had said it was in a "strong cash position" despite challenges.

The Deda team published a letter on the organisation's website explaining the situation

A spokesperson for the Arts Council, which has supported Deda over the years, said: "We have worked closely with the organisation's leadership team to explore all available options.

"Unfortunately, it has become apparent they must take the difficult decision to enter into voluntary liquidation.

"We understand how upsetting this will be for their staff, as well as audiences, and acknowledge the impact this has on the local community and organisations who use the building.

"As a funder of the organisation we are in conversation with them about appropriate next steps. We understand that they have engaged insolvency practitioners to assist with this process."

Ticket sales have been suspended by Deda

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield said: "I am deeply saddened. 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.

"Our cultural partners are a vital asset at the heart of our ambition for a vibrant city centre. They’re more than just a place for entertainment – they bring communities together and draw visitors to the area, benefiting nearby businesses."

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