A new director has been appointed to drive forward Déda, Derby’s creative centre for dance, contemporary circus and outdoor performance.
Steve Slater has 30 years’ experience working with companies across the UK including the Tramway arts venue in Glasgow and Citymoves dance agency in Aberdeen.
Born and educated in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, Slater said he was excited to re-engage with the regional cultural arts community on his return to the county.
“My vision for Déda is to build on the partnerships established in the city and county so that we’re fundamentally intrinsic to cultural life as well as playing an active role in this area’s profile, prosperity and identity,” he said.
“My decision to move back to my roots and now to join the great team at Déda has been a happy coincidence and I look forward to building on the organisation’s reputation as a standard bearer for excellence in culture, entertainment and education.
“I spent my formative teenage punk years hanging out in Derby and playing in a band at venues such as the Old Bell on Sadler Gate, so I was delighted to see how much of the city’s heart has been preserved and to learn more about its ambitions for the future.”
Déda’s acting chair of the board Graham Lister welcomed Slater’s appointment. He said, “Steve has a broad skill set and has been at the forefront of developing contemporary dance and wider arts across the UK and particularly in Scotland.
“These developments perfectly mirror his passion for how the arts can inspire people to express themselves.”