This report presents the findings from a research project that brought together new and existing academic and sector-based research to understand how all-island relations within the professional, publicly-subsidised performing arts of dance and theatre may be nurtured. 

Taking place from December 2021 – November 2022, the project was funded by the Irish Research Council’s (IRC) New Foundations Scheme 2021, under the Shared Island Initiative Strand (8) supported by the Shared Island Unit (SIU) in the Department of the Taoiseach, this project. Individuals in academia and the arts worked together to develop understanding regarding the extent of what is currently shared (resources, finances, networks) across the island of Ireland within the professional dance and theatre sector and what might enable or hinder the development of shared-island ties. 

The project was led by Dr Victoria Durrer (University College Dublin) in partnership with Dr Aoife McGrath (Queen’s University Belfast), and representatives from Theatre & Dance Northern Ireland, Arts Council Northern Ireland, Dance Ireland and Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre. Cavan County Council Arts Office, British Council Ireland and Arts Council Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon are core research participants with Dr Emma McAlister supporting the work as Research Assistant. 

DOWNLOAD the report and executive summary

You may also access our earlier discussion papers and summary information about the project.