QUAD in Derby has been announced as the new base for two Derby Arts organisations, Surtal Arts and 1623 theatre company. Both organisations will take up office space at QUAD initially on a year-long basis.
Established in 1994, Surtal Arts is a nationally recognised charitable arts company, which plays a significant role in promoting appreciation and practice of diverse art forms originating from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Working closely with professional Artists, youth, community groups and other organisations, Surtal promotes and develops South Asian art forms through various services, from regular dance and music classes, and schools programmes to organising festivals and performance showcases.
Surtal Arts Director Gopa Nath, said: “Born in the heart of Normanton, Surtal Arts has come a long way and closer to its arts partners in the cultural hub of Derby. We are excited to be QUAD’s new resident as it gives us a wonderful opportunity work in partnership with them to develop new diverse arts activities and new audiences for the City”.
1623 is an award-winning theatre company that approaches Shakespeare’s work unusually – often in unusual places – to surprise, inspire and affect people. Performances have taken place at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company Fringe, London 2012 Open Weekend,
BBC Gardeners' World Live, Glastonbury Festival, Nottingham Playhouse, Poole's Cavern, rural village halls and city spaces. Learning projects include The Great Shakespearean Workout, awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark, and Shakespeare for Leaders corporate training at QUAD.
Ben Spiller, 1623 artistic director and producer, said: "I used to run 1623 from the potting shed at home, but now QUAD is helping us to grow in so many directions. We’re thrilled to call QUAD our home and to have the opportunity to share ideas, skills and resources with a terrific team of creative people. We're excited at the possibilities that being based at QUAD will create for us to see Shakespeare differently with people in Derby and beyond.”
Keith Jeffrey, QUAD Director said: “QUAD is a hub for the creative arts and industries in Derby and being able to work with two such innovative companies as 1623 and Surtal is another link in that chain. Both work tirelessly in Derby and around the UK performing and stimulating debate in art and performance. QUAD will benefit from accessing the creative minds of both organisations as well as working on collaborative projects during the year. As funding for the arts is at its most fragile time we are keen to support smaller locally based organisations that share our ethos of inclusion and excellence.”
