About the opportunity.
This open call is for artists who are curious about working with children, families and healthcare teams through movement, improvisation and responsive creative practice. The placement will follow the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 of our Advanced Training for Improvising Artists. www.smallthingsdance.co.uk/news.
The opportunity includes Module 3-Preparing for placement, which is 2 days of studio-based practice led by Small Things artists (free of charge), and 5 days place-based learning in the hospital setting. It offers a supportive introduction to the values, methods and practical considerations involved in bringing dance improvisation into paediatric healthcare environments.
What the placement includes
- Five days of hands-on learning and observation
- An introduction to Small Things’ evidence-based approach to dance improvisation in paediatric healthcare
- Opportunities to reflect on artistic practice, safeguarding, communication and working sensitively in clinical contexts
- Guidance from experienced practitioners working at the intersection of dance, healthcare and child-centred practice
- An opportunity to consider how this experience may inform your future artistic and professional development.
Who can apply
We welcome applications from recent graduates and emerging artists with a background in dance, movement, improvisation or related creative practice. You do not need previous experience in healthcare settings, but you should be open to learning, reflection and working collaboratively in sensitive environments.
Key details
- Number of placements: 4
- Duration: 5 days
- Dates: 2 day workshop 9th/10th January 2027. Placement tbc Tuesdays/Fridays between February and June 2027
- Location: Alder Hey Children’s NHS Trust, Liverpool
- Fee or bursary: £50 expenses per day for hospital placement
- Application deadline: 11th September.