Next Generation Campaign
Supporting a new generation of talent
Scottish Ballet presents the Next Generation Campaign – an ambitious programme to house ten Creative Associates involved in the development and production of at least ten new works (one act works, short films or Research & Development) by 2028.
The Creative Associates will be early to mid-career choreographers, costume & set designers, composers, and film-makers from diverse backgrounds. Their work will inspire new audiences and communities, promoting Scotland’s national dance company on the world stage.
I know what it feels like when a director says, “I want you to create a work for the company.” It shows such trust… [it’s] a validation of your creative endeavours.
Christopher Hampson, CEO/Artistic Director
Equity to access
There is no shortage of emerging artists, but barriers to opportunity remain. Providing a welcoming and nurturing environment for creatives from a wide range of backgrounds and specialisms will ensure dance remains relevant and inspiring to future generations.
It is so important to the next generation of audiences that our work on stage, on screen, and in our communities represents their experience of Scotland and the world they live in today.
Catherine Cassidy, Director of Organisational Culture & Engagement
CEO/Artistic Director Christopher Hampson is looking for new voices to bring something fresh to the artform and diversify the stories we are telling. Chris will mentor each artist, giving them the freedom to experiment, innovate, and collaborate to realise their vision. Scottish Ballet is committed to ensuring all artists working with the company are paid across the entire creative process.
A lasting legacy
Scottish Ballet’s new work must align with our values of inclusivity, innovation, and excellence. It must be accessible, relevant, and tell stories for today’s audiences. We intend to use ballet as a catalyst for inclusion as we evolve for tomorrow’s world.
Dickson Mbi is the first artist in the Next Generation Campaign. He is an Olivier Award winning choreographer and artist from the Hip Hop dance community. In 2023 Dickson developed the brand-new ballet, Twice-Born, which premiered in autumn.
I hope [Twice-Born] will have a long-lasting impact on the dancers and the audience that come to experience it.
Dickson Mbi, Choreographer
Make it happen
With your help we can reach our bold and ambitious goal of £2 million per year for five years. We are calling on patrons, corporate partners, and trusts & foundations who share our vision to break down barriers and invest in diverse talent for a bright future.
Scottish Ballet will provide the artistic and technical support. Your gift to the Next Generation Campaign will provide invaluable opportunities for ten diverse early to mid-career Creative Associates and result in at least ten new commissions. Donations will also support Engagement programmes developed to run alongside these new commissions.
For further information on how to get involved please contact Director of Philanthropy, Antonia Brownlee, on antonia.brownlee@scottishballet.co.uk.
If you would like a plain text version of this document please get in touch.
A huge thank you to the following patrons and organisations who have supported Scottish Ballet’s Next Generation Campaign.
Founding Patrons
Anne Reece
Commissioning Patrons
The James Scott Anderson Family
Fiona & Ian Russell
The Viewforth Trust
& one anonymous trust
Lead Patrons
Mary & Geoff Ball
Kate & Gavin Gemmell
Linda Herd
Jan Munro
Jim Pettigrew & Joanna Lawson
& one anonymous patron
Principal Patrons
Ian & Lesley Curle
Dickon Minto Charitable Trust
Ambassadors
Barbara Allison CBE
Julie Barr
Eleanor Bentley
Nicola & Neil Gordon
Mandy & Pete Graham
Chris & Gill Masters
Catherine Muirden
Mark Llewellin
Juliette Paton MBE
Joyce Pringle
Mike & Susan Rutterford
Maggie Smith
Alastair & Sheila Stewart
Malcolm & Ann Thoms
James Watt
