Purpose & Values

Why we exist

Candoco exists to expand what dance can be, who makes it, and who experiences it.

We work to create the conditions for brilliance, by removing systemic barriers to dance for disabled makers, performers and leaders through our four activity pillars of performance and commissions, skills and leadership, partnering and advocacy. Our goal is to work with over 500 disabled dancers, choreographers and creative leaders by March 2031, supporting more disabled dance artists than at any point in our history.

What we believe

We do this because we believe that dance is better when difference is celebrated.

The change we want to make (our strategic aims)

To DEVELOP the creative and professional capacity of disabled artists across career stages
To EXPAND the artistic and cultural impact of disabled-led dance
To STRENGTHEN capacity for inclusive practice across the dance sector
To EMBED inclusive and disability-led governance and organisational culture and sustainable practice
To CHAMPION systemic change for disabled artists in dance

How we work

Candoco’s values are: equitable, creative, nurturing, accountable.

We have an Ethical Framework which sets out how our organisational values are put into practice, particularly when decisions are complex or contested. It is practical and measurable. It strengthens accountability and consistency and guides decision-making at all levels, ensuring our commitments to disabled voice and talent, equity, accessibility and artistic ambition are enacted in practice across the organisation. And it is grounded in our belief that dance is better when difference is celebrated.