£10,000 grant awarded to Far From The Norm: NORMGROUND

 

NORMGROUND is a three-week dedicated artistic learning and development programme which was created in response to a lack of development opportunities for performers from Hip-Hop and other intersecting style backgrounds. With an emphasis on process and letting go of outcomes, interrogating creative ideas and techniques, NORMGROUND invites artists to bring their distinct practices, perspectives and experiences to the programme and embody the creative methodologies developed by Far From The Norm and Artistic Director Botis Seva.  

 

2026’s edition of NORMGROUND was the first to be held outside London, partnering with Lowry in Salford, Manchester. In 2027 NORMGROUND will return to London, and the company will aim to follow the same programme structure, incorporating developments shaped by the feedback and learning from previous editions. 

 

Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee, Jerwood Foundation said:

 Jerwood Foundation is proud to continue its support for NORMGROUND, giving another cohort of performers the unique opportunity to spend an intensive three weeks developing their skills and building resilience under the guidance of Artistic Director Botis Seva and Far From The Norm’s creative team. Awarding this third year of funding to Far From the Norm underlines Jerwood’s ongoing commitment to fostering excellence and championing emerging talent. 

Botis Seva, Artistic Director, Far From The Norm said: 

With Jerwood’s support, we have delivered another year of NORMGROUND, further strengthening an offer for artists who can often fall between the cracks of hip hop and contemporary dance practice. NORMGROUND gives artists the space, time and support to test their insecurities, develop new skills and build confidence, enabling them to step back into the sector with greater resilience, self-belief and, importantly, a new community of peers.

September 24, 2026