We’re delighted that our current Dance Partner Project, MESH by Vanessa Grasse, has been selected as part of this year’s Great Exhibition of the North, a summer-long celebration of the North of England’s pioneering spirit.

The country’s biggest event in 2018, the Great Exhibition of the North will pack a programme of amazing exhibits, live performances, displays of innovation, new artworks and unforgettable experiences into 80 days.

After an initial Arts Council funded research and development phase in Leeds & Wakefield, Vanessa Grasse and her team of 10 exceptional dancers will take up residency in Newcastle to develop the work further for 3 new public sites along the Arts Trail of The Great Exhibition.

In response to our divisive global political climate, MESH explores how a participatory choreography for a large group can bring people together. Taking place in different outdoor public spaces, MESH invites audiences and passers-by to join in the making of a public ritual of togetherness.

Local participants can join in the experience through several workshop opportunities taking place at DanceCity. They will learn some of the sculptural formations that respond to the local places, architecture and people and will join in elements of the performance.

The project is supported and co-produced in a partnership between DanceCity and Yorkshire Dance.

You will be able to catch MESH on the opening weekend of The Great Exhibition from Fri 22 – Sun 24 June and at 2 further weekends on Sat 21 – Sun 22 July and Sat 4 – Sun 5 August.

MESH is part of a long term choreographic research project by Vanessa Grasse, which explores the ecology of relational experiences.