Déda Announces Voluntary Insolvency Procedures
It is with a heavy heart that Déda, Derby's cherished venue for dance and movement in Derby and co-producers of Derby Festé, announces it is entering into voluntary insolvency procedures. Despite this news the Trustees of the charity hope that a solution will be found to save what the organisation does, and avoid closure of the building by working with stakeholders and partners. This difficult decision comes after enduring significant financial pressures since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has posed extraordinary challenges for cultural organisations worldwide, and Déda has not been immune. Despite our best efforts to recover, the economic climate has remained challenging. Audience numbers have not rebounded at the pace needed to offset the rising operational costs. This has placed an unsustainable strain on our resources, making it impossible to continue our operations in the current form.
Déda’s chair Corey Mwamba stated, “As with many other arts organisations, Déda is facing considerable financial challenges, and as such the Trustees have taken professional insolvency advice. 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.”
Déda has a rich history of promoting dance and the arts in Derby. Founded in 1991, Déda has been a cornerstone of the local cultural scene, offering a diverse range of dance classes, performances, and community outreach programs. Over the years, we have nurtured countless artists and provided a vibrant space for creativity and expression.
As a National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England, Déda has been privileged to receive support over the years that has enabled us to deliver high-quality arts programming. We are grateful for this support and the opportunities it has provided.
An Arts Council spokesperson said: "Following news of financial and organisational issues at Déda, we have worked closely with the organisation's leadership team to explore all available options.
“Unfortunately, it has become apparent to the Board that 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.
“Arts Council England will work with our partners at Derby City Council to try and help to ensure the best outcome in this difficult situation.”
As a result of this decision, our dedicated employees and talented artists will be directly affected. We deeply regret the impact this will have on their livelihoods and careers. We are committed to providing as much support as possible during this transition period and will be working closely with local agencies to assist them in finding new opportunities.
Derby City Council has expressed its commitment to working with stakeholders to find solutions that will ensure the continuation of Déda’s valuable work. We are hopeful that through these collaborative efforts, the spirit of dance and the arts will continue to thrive in our community.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council said: "I am deeply saddened by the news coming from Déda. 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 are 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.
“We are fully committed to continuing our work with cultural partners to ensure the future of the sector in our city, and to working with Déda, Arts Council England and other cultural bodies in the hope that they can continue their invaluable work.”
We are immensely proud of the work we have accomplished over the years, fostering a love for dance and providing a platform for artistic expression in Derby. Our commitment to the community and the arts has been unwavering, and it is our sincere hope that another cultural organisation in Derby will step forward to continue our dance programme and the good work we have started.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our supporters, staff, artists, and the wider community for their unwavering support and dedication. Your passion and commitment have been the cornerstone of our success, and we hope that the spirit of dance will continue to thrive in Derby.
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