About Theatre and Dance NI

Building a stronger, more connected theatre and dance sector in Northern Ireland.

Our Story

How TDNI Was Born

TDNI was formed in 2020 through the merger of Theatre NI and Dance Resource Base, bringing together two organisations with a shared commitment to strengthening the performing arts sector in Northern Ireland and beyond.

This merger marked an important milestone and was built on a simple but powerful belief: working together creates greater impact. Northern Ireland already has a strong reputation for producing bold, high-quality work in theatre, dance and the wider arts. This merger built on that strength, creating a more joined-up approach to sector support, leadership and development across both artforms.

Since then, we have continued to grow as a membership and sector support organisation, helping to build a healthier, more visible and better-connected theatre and dance community that is recognised as an important part of society and the economy.

Today, we work with artists, freelancers, companies, venues, producers and arts workers across Northern Ireland and beyond, supporting the long-term development of a vibrant and sustainable sector.

Mission & Vision

What Drives Our Work

Our Mission

To champion, support and be a voice for theatre and dance from Northern Ireland at home and beyond.

Our Vision

Our vision is of a healthy, animated society, where people want to live, work and visit, thriving with excellent theatre and dance opportunities.

How We Work

We Support the Sector Through Three Core Areas

Connecting

We bring together artists, organisations, audiences and partners across Northern Ireland and beyond, creating stronger relationships, shared opportunities and a more connected creative community.

Advocating

We champion the value of theatre and dance by engaging with decision-makers, stakeholders and policymakers, ensuring the sector is represented in wider conversations around culture, society, education and the economy.

Supporting Development

We help artists and organisations grow through training, mentoring, bursaries, residencies, resources and professional development programmes, building skills, confidence and creative ambition.

What We Offer

We work across both immediate sector needs and long-term strategic development, helping to create a stronger and more sustainable theatre and dance ecology in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Our work includes:

Our Values

The Principals that guide us

Value and Impact of the Arts

We believe in the power of the arts as an agent of personal and societal change. We are passionately committed to theatre and dance as transformational artforms. We believe that arts can promote sustainable development by raising awareness of environmental issues and encouraging sustainable practices.

Equality, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion

We believe that those participating in, and enjoying, theatre and dance should celebrate diversity, embrace difference, and champion a wide range of cultures and identities. We believe that everyone has the right to explore and express their identity and creativity through theatre and dance.

Creative Growth and Professional Support

We believe artists must be able to grow and develop their craft through training and professional development. We take a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour and provide a wellbeing programme that supports physical, mental, social and financial wellness.

Meet the team

TDNI is led by a dedicated team working across membership, advocacy, professional development, communications and sector support.
Our work is guided by a Board of Non-Executive Directors, who provide strategic oversight and help shape the organisation’s future direction.

Niamh Flanagan

Executive Director

Sophie Parker

Operations Manager

Anita Murphy

Advocacy Officer

Making a Difference Across the Sector

We are proud to support artists, freelancers, and organisations across Northern Ireland through advocacy, professional development and practical support.

“INVEST has given me much-needed support to develop my creative practice, as well as training in essential areas and connections with other creatives.”

“I feel inspired and empowered to enact change or articulate to politicians what we need in our sector. Without Staging Change, I would feel lost and alone with these issues”

"Opportunities like Spotlight are invaluable for new writing and artists’ careers. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and international connections it has created for my work.”

Supported by key funders

Connected through leading sector networks.

Join the Community

Whether you’re an artist, freelancer, organisation or venue TDNI is here to support your development and connect you with the wider sector.

Become part of a growing community working to strengthen theatre and dance in Northern Ireland.