The Maltings is delighted to announce a new year-long dance residency at Berwick Academy for the 2026–27 academic year, continuing its partnership with the school to bring professional artists directly into the school community.

This year’s residency will be led by Pagan Hunt, a dance artist, choreographer and facilitator originally from Shropshire and now based in Gateshead. Pagan is co-director of Pelican Theatre, co-creator of Flip the Switch, and has performed with companies across the North East, nationally and internationally.

As part of the residency, Pagan will work closely with students and staff at Berwick Academy, using dance and movement as a way to encourage creativity, build confidence and explore new ways of expressing ideas.

The year-long residency will see Pagan become embedded within the school community, working collaboratively with students and staff to develop a programme that responds to the interests and needs of the school. The partnership will provide opportunities for students to experience professional dance practice, develop their creative skills and take part in the process of creating new work.

Ros Lamont, CEO of The Maltings, said: “We’re delighted to be able to continue our residency partnership with Berwick Academy with the support of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. Bringing professional artists and young people together for sustained periods through the year, every year, is a crucial part of our role in Berwick - ensuring our young people get as many chances as possible to explore their creativity and self-expression, building skills that enrich every aspect of their lives for the long term.”

Leanne Watson, Deputy Headteacher at Berwick Academy, said: “We’re really excited to welcome Pagan to Berwick Academy and to see where this residency takes our students. Having a professional artist working alongside our staff and students throughout the year creates a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience dance in a different way, develop their confidence and discover what they can achieve through creativity and collaboration.”

Pagan Hunt, dance artist, said: “I’m really excited to be spending the next year within the school community at Berwick Academy. I’m looking forward to supporting students and staff to access their creativity and build confidence through movement. I hope we can co-create a meaningful dance programme together that has a lasting impact on the school and the wider community in Berwick.”

The residency forms part of The Maltings’ ongoing partnership with Berwick Academy, which aims to create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with professional artists and creative practice throughout the academic year.

The residency will begin after the October half term, with Pagan spending regular time within the school throughout the 2026–27 academic year.

Through long-term partnerships such as this, The Maltings is committed to supporting young people across Berwick and the surrounding area to develop creative skills, confidence and a connection to the arts.

For further information and bookings, visit The Maltings.

October 2026:  Photo Credits Alan Mason