North East arts company, Helix Arts (www.helixarts.com), has strengthened its creative team with the appointment of Susie Batey, who joins the organisation from Sage Gateshead.
In her new role as Creative Producer, Susie will lead Helix Arts’ successful dance and health programme, Falling on your Feet, which connects talented artists with people aged 65 and over to co-choreograph dance pieces.
Susie said: “Helix Arts is unique because few arts organisations in the UK work across all art forms with people of all ages, all abilities whatever their circumstances.
“I’m delighted to be leading its Falling on you Feet programme, which partners choreographers with local communities to co-produce and co-curate their own dance works.
“Around one in three adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year. This programme helps counter fear of falling by improving balance, strength and flexibility on the dance floor.”
Helix Arts recently secured funding from Arts Council England’s Celebrating Age Fund to expand its Falling on you Feet programme across the North East. By 2021 the programme will allow artists and older dancers to co-create seven new dance ensembles across the region, supporting them to put on performances in their communities.
Catherine Hearne, Chief Executive of Helix Arts said: “Susie brings with her a wealth of experience from the arts and education sectors having worked in Cambridge, London and here in the North East at Sage Gateshead.
“We’re delighted to have her as part of the team supporting our work to connect high quality artists with diverse communities so they can make great art together.”
Helix Arts has been co-producing great art since 1983 and is based in North Shields. An Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisaiton, its programmes include Falling on your Feet, music making programme Off the Beat and a training programme with community volunteers and artists, Make Art Happen.
It is a leader in the field of participatory digital arts and one of the few arts organisations based in the North East working with the Criminal Justice sector.
For more information visit, www.helixarts.com