A face-lift for a dancing facility, catering for children and young adults from vulnerable backgrounds, has taken a big step forward – thanks to the City of Durham Freemen.
TIN Arts, set up at the end of the 1990s, offers inspiration to people of all ages with a learning disability, autism or additional needs to realise their potential through dance and the wider performing arts.
It has been delivering training and support in its dance space in Framwellgate Moor Community Centre and is now undertaking a major refurbishment costing £17,900
The City of Durham Freemen have given a £500 donation to the cost of the work which includes redecorating and the inclusion of mirrors, along with barres to provide standing support for those unsteady on their feet.
The bulk of the cash has been raised by the community centre with the remaining £2,400 needed coming from donations sought by TIN Arts – which has 14 full-time and part-time core staff, supported by ten associated practitioners.
The organisation’s work on the dance space supports children from two to 18, young adults in their late teens and a dance theatre company for artists with learning disabilities.
Martin Wilson, the charity’s co-founder and executive director said: “We exist to inspire and enable people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to celebrate their potential through dance and the wider performing arts. From our dance space at Framwellgate Moor we reach schools and local community settings across Durham City and County Durham, as well as embracing adults with learning difficulties unable to access mainstream further and higher education opportunities.”……more
Eric Bulmer, chairman of the wardens of the freemen said: “We are pleased to support a local community-based initiative which provides opportunities for young people and adults with a wide range of learning disabilities to develop movement and co-ordination through music and dance.
“We would also applaud the staff, many of them volunteers, for their dedication in creating a safe, caring and wonderfully friendly environment for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
