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Description
The purpose of the project is to set up the continuous professional functioning of the organization Dance Career Endowment Fund, which will lead to the strengthening of its mission and the achievement of the goals set in the project. The Dance Career Endowment Fund pay attention to artists working with the body as a mean of expression - i.e. dancers. performers, acrobats during their active career, but especially during the period of change and transition to the so-called second career. Through its activities, the Fund compensates for the disadvantages of these artists and performers in the labor market, whether in terms of the risk of accidents, the physical burden, the limited period of time for which a full-time profession can be pursued, low pay rates, etc. In pandemic times, these specific limits and disadvantages are compounded by other issues arising from the overall instability of the performing arts sector and the lack of protection of professional artistic staff, whether independent or employed.
It is the change of professional situation, which relates to the past specifics and disadvantages for artists in fields such as dance, movement theatre and the new circus, that requires strengthening their resilience and adaptability. The Dance Career Endowment Fund strengthens the ability of artists and performers to plan and manage their career lives through the seminars for companies and dance students, the creation of a labor market specifics database, networking, individual consultations and building partnerships between artists and the endowment fund. Those activities are also disseminated by the fund and thereby help increase awareness and understanding of this issue by stakeholders, and the professional and general public.
The DCEF is seeking support from EEA funds so it can change its operating model and adapt to pandemic realities.
Summary of project results
With increased staffing, the Foundation has become fully functional and integrated into the professional community. We promoted second careers among professionals and the public and collaborated with schools, companies, and theaters on a larger scale. We updated the Infopoint database for professionals and provided individual consultations for career issues, despite facing challenges like lower interest in consultations.
Throughout the project, we provided individual consultations to help clients address issues related to specific career requirements. On the NFTK website, we launched an online Infopoint, which provided up-to-date information on the job market and career opportunities, aiding dancers and artists in navigating a dynamic work environment. Seminars and meetings with dancers and students from various institutions offered practical advice on moving from an active career to a new professional path. These sessions covered career planning, financial matters, and grant opportunities, enhancing artists'' readiness for change. Workshops, such as those with a tax advisor and seminars for parents of conservatory students, addressed the specific needs of different groups. All these activities helped dancers and movement professionals increase their resilience and successfully manage career transitions.
We provided 21 consultations for 8 clients but saw lower interest despite extensive promotion, a trend also observed abroad. Building trust within the professional community is essential. We organized 7 seminars and workshops, including 2 online. On the NFTK website, we launched Infopoint to regularly update information on job market developments and dancers'' health issues.