Dear Gather Up Friends,



Here we are! Already coming to the end of another two-year project... How fast has it gone by!?

Not to mention the 8 years that have passed since we wrote our first bid for support to Arts Council England.

As we wrap up, we want to share the news with you that, funding allowing, the next project will enable the handing over of GATHER UP’s artist co-leadership.

Ania Varez, Tara Silverthorn and Linzy Na Nakorn will be taking the helm as artist co-leads, while the three of us remain as Directors on GATHER UP’s Board.

This passing of the baton ushers in an exciting progression for the organisation.

Ania, Tara and Linzy, as many of you will know, have been part of the extended GATHER UP family for a while in various capacities - and have a close understanding of the initiative’s ethos and aims, and will bring a wealth and breadth of experience to the running of GATHER UP.

We are truly delighted that they are up for this relay and look forward to working closely with them to enable this to happen as seamlessly as possible.

There are lots of emotions coursing through as we write and move towards this change! 

If all goes to plan, outward-facing activity will start again in January 2026. We have just submitted an application to ACE and we will share news with you through our newsletter, website and socials when we learn about the outcome. Keeping everything crossed.

Here’s to upholding space for dancing! 



In the meantime, our website remains live. Feel free to dive into some of our resources, including our most recent ‘Artists in Conversation’.



With our most heartfelt thanks to you all for being of the journey so far, and to our funders -Arts Council England, Bristol City Council & the Abderrahim Crickmay Foundation - and partners Bristol Old Vic, Bath Spa University & Arnolfini for making all of this possible.



Laura, Kit & Laïla.

gathering, practicing, dancing

GATHER UP is an artist led project, offering a programme of dance activity, with a focus on contemporary dance and choreographic practices, to nurture and invigorate the existing and developing practices of experienced movers and professional dance artists in Bristol and beyond.