New dance space proposed for Sadler’s Wells

A new 500-seat performance space for contemporary dance in London is the centerpiece of a 10-year vision for Sadler’s Wells, responding to the organisation’s desire to present new, mid-scale contemporary work. Although many of Europe’s most important dance venues have 500-seat capacity, London has no such space and Sadler’s Wells Chair David Bell said: “The demand for dance continues to grow and yet London lacks a mid-scale space for contemporary work. This new venue will fill the gap between the main house and our studio space.” The plan also sets out an investment of £5m in commissioning funds earmarked for original dance work over the next 10 years, and a commitment to touring globally and in the UK which includes touring 11 productions in 2014, nine of which will tour to 70 international cities. The company will invest £1m over the next three years in support of young talent and artist development programmes. Sadler’s Wells has experienced one of its most successful years in 2012/13, attracting nearly 69k first-time attenders and self-generating 90% of turnover, with 71% through ticket sales. Since the company’s major Lottery-funded rebuild in 1998, over 4.5m people have visited the theatre and ticket sales have increased by 72%. Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, said: “The public appetite for dance has never been greater. We want to respond to this, and give the creative talent in this country a proper chance to develop for the future growth of the art form. To achieve this, we need to be able to expand beyond our current base – without losing the unique quality and atmosphere that is associated with Sadler’s Wells.”