Company Registration Number 10599285 Registered Charity Number 1180001
FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS For the year ending 28 February 2022
FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 28 February 2022
The Trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 28 February 2022.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered charity name Fertile Ground Dance Limited Charity registration number 1180001 Company registration number 10599285 Registered office 2nd Floor, Dance City, Temple Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BR
Trustees
For the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, the Board of Trustees is the Board of Directors of the charitable company and is referred to as “the Trustees” throughout this report.
The Trustees of Fertile Ground Dance Limited during the year and to the date of signing this report are as follows:
Austen Atkinson Appointed 10 June 2021; Resigned 16 September 2021 Sue Hurrell Dora Frankel Leigh Venus Ann Schofield Bankers Barclays Bank plc, 49-51 Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7AF Independent Examiner Mr P O’Hara FCA, 4 Stonehurst Road West, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1PG
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Documents
The Company is a Company Limited by Guarantee and was incorporated on 3 February 2017 and registered with the Charity Commission on 20 September 2018.
The charitable company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, as registered with Companies House on 3 February 2017 and as amended by special resolution registered at Companies House on 25 June 2018. The Directors of the company are also Trustees of the charity.
Eligibility for membership of the charity and membership of the Board of Trustees is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity other than those imposed by general charity law.
FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
Governance
The charity currently has four Trustees.
The charity regularly reviews the Board’s skillset in order to strengthen the governance, approaching individuals and advertising the opportunity through Voluntary sector, Business and Arts and Culture channels when gaps are identified.
Fertile Ground underwent two intensive periods of Board recruitment in 2021 resulting in the appointment of Leigh Venus as current Chair of Trustees and led to the recruitment of two new Board members in 2022. This process gave the charity both the continuity of the existing Board membership and the renewal with complementary skills and perspectives benefiting the organisation in the longer term thanks to the new appointments.
The Board meets a minimum of four times per year and conducts an Annual General Meeting. The quorum is at least three Trustees and meetings may be held in person or by suitable electronic means.
At Trustees’ meetings, held at least quarterly, the Trustees agree on the broad strategy and areas of activity for the charity, including the consideration of development projects, reserves and risk management policies and performance.
Detailed written reports and an agenda are prepared by senior staff and circulated in advance of Board meetings.
Appointment and Induction of Trustees
The appointment of Trustees is carried out at regular Trustee meetings and is by unanimous agreement of the existing Trustees. Trustees are appointed for a three-year term and are eligible for re-election at the end of that term.
The Memorandum and Articles of Association determine that the Board is made up of no less than three Trustee Directors.
Trustees are nominated by invitation given that they have the necessary skills and expertise to contribute to the charity’s activities and to be able to discharge their obligations as Trustees. The skills and composition of the Board is reviewed on a regular basis, taking into consideration succession planning, representation and experience, empathy and knowledge of the charity.
On appointment, Trustees undergo an induction programme that includes briefings from key staff and the Chair of the Trustees.
Management and Organisational Structure
Day-to-day management is delegated to Artistic Directors Malgorzata Dzierzon and Renaud Wiser, who are responsible for most of the key activities of the charity including the content of the artistic and engagement programme, recruiting and appointing Fertile Ground artistic and administrative freelance staff, tour booking, working with fundraising consultants and, jointly with the Finance Manager for regulatory compliance.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
Key Management Personnel
The Trustees consider the Board of Trustees and the Artistic Directors as comprising the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis.
All Trustees give their time freely and no Trustee remuneration was paid in the year. Details of any Trustee expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in the Notes to the Financial Statements.
Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and register them with the Chair and in accordance with the charity’s Conflict of Interests policy withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises.
Grant-making
The charity does not currently engage in grant-making activity.
Policies on Reserves
The Trustees have reviewed the charity's needs for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission.
The Trustees aim to hold a level of Unrestricted Reserves which enables the charity to have sufficient financial resources to meet various liabilities which would crystallise if Fertile Ground Dance Limited were unable to continue operating, together with an allowance to enable the charity to respond flexibly to issues or appropriate initiatives which might be identified outside of its annual budgeting process.
At present, the Trustees estimate that the Unrestricted Reserves required to cover all known liabilities amount to approximately £2,500. In addition, the Trustees consider that a contingency of at least £10,000 is prudent, resulting in an optimum level of Unrestricted Reserves in the region of £12,500.
Fertile Ground Dance Limited currently holds Unrestricted Reserves of £19,833 at 28 February 2022. Free reserves, defined as non-designated Unrestricted Reserves, minus the value of Tangible Fixed Assets, are £18,929, which provides a small additional level of contingency.
The Trustees believe that Unrestricted Reserves should, wherever possible, be maintained at least at this level to ensure the charity can run efficiently and meet the needs of the beneficiaries. FG will continue to use reserves, where necessary, to support the annual programme, but the objective is to achieve 100% funding for each programme.
This policy will be reviewed by the Trustees on an annual basis as part of the charity’s budgeting processes.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Charitable Purpose
Fertile Ground Dance Limited aims to advance the arts for the public benefit by the promotion, in particular, but not exclusively, of the art of dance.
Fertile Ground (FG) is the North East’s only early career repertory dance company engaging dancers who are based or trained in the North East. FG offers performances and workshops across the North East region and beyond, showcasing great talent performing in theatres, galleries and outdoor spaces.
Aims & Objectives
The vision that shapes our annual activities remains working with emerging dance artists, creating and touring contemporary dance across the North East and removing barriers for children and young people to access high quality contemporary dance.
Following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the closure of performing arts venues and suspension of public facing activities for all of 2020-21, 2021-22 commenced with continued social distancing restrictions. The gradual, cautious return to public activities over the summer months has allowed for the first public performances of Fertile Ground since 2019 in the autumn of 2022.
Taking on board our duty to operate within the government guidance throughout the pandemic, our objectives for the period had to be redefined to achieve the following outcomes:
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Maintaining financial stability and our ability to resume artistic activities when the physical distancing measures are lifted;
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Creating new ways of working, less reliant on physical interactions;
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Guaranteed continuation of activities and honouring commitments to pay rent, staff, utilities;
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Job offers for dancers, with many young artists not eligible for government support;
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Solid plan enabling Fertile Ground to hit the road running once situation improves; ● Diversification of live and digital activities for artists, young people and audiences
Our organisational objectives remain to:
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Provide professional opportunities for emerging dancers who are native to, have trained or are based in the North East;
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Inspire children and young people through online programmes where interaction with professional dancers and choreographers promote creativity and encourage physical well-being;
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Continue to increase the artistic profile and visibility of Fertile Ground by working with internationally recognised collaborators
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Create, produce and present inspiring and innovative dance programmes toured in North East and beyond
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
Public Benefit
The Trustees understand and have discussed the implications of the provisions of the Charities Act 2006, which state that all charities must demonstrate that they are established for public benefit, and have had due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. The Trustees believe that the charity meets both of the key principles.
Principle 1 - There must be an identifiable benefit, or benefits Principle 2 - Benefit must be to the public, or a section of the public
The charity’s principal public benefits are:
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Education and development of young people - The charity’s participatory activities focus on strengthening the social and emotional capabilities of young people – such as confidence, resilience, creativity, communication, managing feelings, problem-solving, relationship-building, responsibility and perseverance - through participation in creative activities.
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Performances for the general public - The charity produces performances and events which are delivered to a high standard by paid professional staff.
The main beneficiaries are:
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Members of the public who attend our events and performances and who engage with Fertile Ground online
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Emerging dancers from the North East of England who form the Fertile Ground Company
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Emerging dancers from the North East of England who are the beneficiaries of the professional development programme (360 programme)
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Children and young people and adult participants who take part in our workshops and residencies in education settings
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Artists and crew who create and contribute to our touring programmes
Impact and Value
In 2021, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing impact of the pandemic, Fertile Ground remained an active and publicly engaged organisation.
We worked with partners, where safe and possible, to minimise gaps in engagement for artists, Fertile Ground’s core staff and to provide access to physical and creative activities to young people. We continued artistic research and creation and were able to resume our direct engagement with the public in the autumn 2022, presenting a new touring programme Myths & Dreams to existing and new audiences in the North East region.
We began the year with artistic research of Labyrinth and the creation of a new dance film, Somnium, both part of new touring programme Myths & Dreams. The activity, spanning the end of 2021 and beginning of our 2022 financial year (15 February to 22 March 2022) was carefully planned and managed in line with Covid - 19 safety recommendations and designed to provide our artists and staff with meaningful engagement at the time of ongoing restrictions.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
Impact and Value (Cont.)
The artistic research and filming which took place at Dance City in Newcastle immediately benefited those directly involved in the production (12 creatives), our online participants (30) and eventually our live audiences and workshops participants later in that year.
We returned to the studio in September 2021 to create, produce and perform Myths & Dreams in Newcastle, Sunderland and Berwick-upon-Tyne, engaging 27 artists, creatives and specialists.
“ This project has been a great shift back to the studio again and back to the daily task of being a dancer! I have absolutely loved having a routine again which has really helped me to develop my skill set including, technical skills (during class), creative skills (during creative process’), social skills (working with new people) and also physically developing strength again !” 2021/22 Fertile Ground Company Dancer
Parallel to the performance activities in the autumn, we provided 36 sessions for learning and participation engaging directly with 280 participants.
Our guest choreographers Clemenitine Vanlerberghe (France) and Fabritia D’Intino (Italy) shared their practice with the wider North East sector teaching an open class at Dance City, adding to our programme of professional classes taught by Artistic Directors Malgorzata Dzierzon and Renaud Wiser.
We also led workshop sessions with students at Sunderland College and members of Gosforth Liberdade, a physical theatre group for people with learning disabilities.
Our 360 professional development programme provided support to five emerging dancers from the region, with four participants supported with a bursary in 2021. They attended daily professional classes, observed rehearsals, assisted with workshops, and participated in master classes with our staff members in the areas of marketing and finance.
“ Mentoring sessions have boosted my understanding of and confidence in managing finance and marketing. Insight into the creation has informed my choreographic approach and sparked ideas for the future. Joining in class and observing rehearsals gave a practical understanding of the nature of being a professional dancer. Being asked my thoughts while watching rehearsal was really nice as well, to feel like I was an active participant. I would not have been able to participate anywhere near as much without the bursary. It also feels better as a participant, to know that my time is valued .” 2021 360 programme participant.
In early December we delivered a week-long residency at Benfield School Newcastle engaging over 200 pupils. Working under the guidance of our Artistic Directors, FG Company dancers and 360 programme participants, we engaged with a different group of children each day in introductory dance workshops. We also created a curtain raiser, working daily with children from Years 7 - 11, who performed the piece twice on the final day, alongside FG performance of Myths & Dreams.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
Impact and Value (Cont.)
The 2021 survey at Benfield School shows that 100% of pupils who participated in our activities learnt new skills. The most valuable programme elements for the children were performing alongside FG (100%), watching performance (75%), and learning choreography (62.5%). Following FG residency 87.5% of children surveyed would consider a career in dance.
“ Interesting, peaceful, ambient music. Also, disturbing, eerie, relaxing feelings. Proud of our students who danced in the piece. The professional dancers were really fluid, fit like athletes. Would like to watch more performances like this .” Benfield School student
These activities benefited the children as well as our emerging dancers, helping them develop new employment skills:
“ The external activities were most helpful for me, as I have little experience with teaching and workshops. This is something that I will take forward with confidence. The responsibility of helping lead the workshops was very encouraging and I thank Gosia (M.Dzierzon) and Renaud (R. Wiser) for this.” 2021 360 programme participant.
Audiences - impact and value
We continue to broaden access to high quality dance experiences for audiences in our region. 25% of customers at Fertile Ground performance of Myths & Dreams at Dance City in October 2021 (attended at 78.1% capacity) live in the bottom 20% most deprived areas in the country. The same programme at the Maltings Berwick was attended at capacity (all attendees from Levelling Up postcodes). 90% of audiences at Sunderland Academy (Levelling Up postcode) were aged 18-25.
Audience feedback from the 2021 survey:
“ Really beautiful work. Incredibly impressive use of tech. Also, clearly a valuable development opportunity for the performers, who were exceptional ”
“ I very much enjoyed the VR experience ”.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
Risk Management
The Trustees regularly review the major governance, operational and financial risks which the charity faces as part of its annual business planning process and confirm that systems have been established to mitigate these risks.
The charity has a risk management strategy in place which comprises:
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an annual review of the strategic risks the charity may face via the business plan
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the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified
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the implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
The Trustees are satisfied that appropriate financial systems and controls and employment policies and practices are in place. They consider the key risks facing the charity at this time to be:
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Financial capacity - New sources of income are being developed to make the charity’s operations secure in the longer term, but this is an ongoing process, which needs further development and funding to achieve its aims
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Increased competition for funding from our regular sources, in particular the Arts Council England
The Trustees have managed the potential impact of these risks by ensuring that:
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Prudent budgets have been set for the next financial year;
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The charity maintains a low-cost base, making extensive use of freelancers such that few significant liabilities exist;
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Regular management accounts are provided, showing the performance against budget; ● Contingency plans are in place for the actions which would be taken if income appears unlikely to reach its target;
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Reserves policies have been adopted which provide an appropriate amount of uncommitted reserves which will enable the charity to meet all its liabilities even if income targets are not achieved.
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We are expanding our planning and financial potential by applying to become the Arts Council England 2023 - 2026 National Portfolio Organisation and aligning our delivery objectives with the funder’s new strategy.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Summary of the main Achievements in the Year
Every year, our two Artistic Directors aim to create a newly choreographed work, commission or stage a revival of an existing acclaimed work by international choreographers, and focus on a new collaboration that can enhance the programme – for example, engagement with the digital world. We work with guest artists every year to create new choreography and to partner with us on our engagement programmes.
Our new programme Myths & Dreams , which had its creation, production, premiere and initial tour of five performances in 2021, incorporates three ambitious dance works.
Labyrinth is a cross-disciplinary work by Fertile Ground Artistic Co-Director Renaud Wiser, freely inspired by the myth of the Minotaur. In contrast with the classical narrative, in Labyrinth the Minotaur is portrayed as a symbol of hybridity representing the complexities of modern times. In our creative process the dancers were immersed in a virtual environment created by sculptor Marie Lelouche and developed choreography in response to her sculptures. On stage, the performers’ movement reveals this virtual maze brought to life by projections and a haunting sound design.
Labyrinth VR experience
Ahead of performances, there is an opportunity to experience Labyrinth's virtual sculptures by signing up to a short virtual reality immersive experience. Wearing VR headsets, audiences explore the maze and fully experience the scale and beauty of the virtual sculptures created by designer Marie Lelouche.
Plubel – a re-staging of work by rising European choreographers Fabritia D'Intino and Clémentine Vanlerberghe. A finalist in Boris Charmatz’s Danse Élargie competition and performed at Sadler’s Wells in 2019, Plubel is a hypnotic journey of imitation that questions how the female figure is represented in dance.
Somnium – a new dance film created by Malgorzata Dzierzon, where the creative process draws on our unique experiences of the surreal, dreamed and imagined at the time of imposed confinement during the pandemic. Somnium was created in collaboration with filmmaker Filipe Alcada, composer Oliver Coates and Director of Photography Fabio Calasibeta. Somnium exists as a film as well as a theatrical performance that brings together live choreography and projected images.
Dream Catcher project
During the creation process of Somnium, Fertile Ground also reached out to audiences inviting everyone to share their dreams with us as part of the Dream Catcher Project. Our short creative responses to the dreams and directions sent by the public were performed by Fertile Ground dancers and edited to music by Oliver Coates. The films, made with an iPhone by choreographer Malgorzata Dzierzon can be accessed on Fertile Ground website and social media.
In 2021 Myths & Dreams was performed to 436 audiences at Dance City Newcastle, The Maltings Berwick and Visual & Performing Arts Academy in Sunderland with two school performances at the Benfield School in Newcastle.
The programme attracted positive recognition from the audience, participants, press and industry peers, helping us grow our recognition as a world-class company.
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TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
For the year ended 28 February 2022
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)
Summary of the main Achievements in the Year (Cont.)
Reviewing the show, Narc Magazine said, " Myths & Dreams is a wonderful collective of individual, micro, artistic decisions and dance steps combining to make one interesting big idea. Wow .”
Bill Vince, Senior Relationship Officer at Arts Council England said, “ highlight of the year was Fertile Ground’s stunning triple bill at Dance City made by Artistic Directors Malgorzata Dzierzon and Renaud Wiser with guests Fabritia D’Intino and Clementine Vanlerghe, whose piece ‘Plubel’ will live long in the memory .”
International Cultural Advisor Anthony Sargent CBE said, “ hugely admiring the rehearsal of this characterful triple bill. For NE UK friends, I can’t recommend it too highly, it premieres tonight at Dance City. Friends in other places, especially dance promoters, do have Fertile Ground on your radar.”
They Went To Sea
In December 2021 we began a new collaboration on a mural in Doncaster to be presented in 2022 as part of Artbomb22 Festival. Combining forces with the Polish Cultural Institute, the festival brings an incredible work injected into the heart of the city by acclaimed international artist Jola Kudela. They Went To Sea is inspired by Edward Lear’s limerick, The Jumblies.
The mural, a metaphor for the migration movements around the world is made in the image of Fertile Ground cast of dancers, and triggers a video of a performance by the Company, choreographed by FG Artistic Director Malgorzata Dzierzon.
The range of the above programmes reflects our desire to continue our live performance alongside new opportunities to innovate and engage with audiences through VR, film and digital technologies.
Long-term impact
Our long-term intentions are to continue building a resilient and sustainable company that is well integrated and contributes to our sector and the region. Working with stakeholders and partners to deliver our ambitious artistic programmes we want to grow our offer, reach and impact, while promoting the North East talent regionally and nationally.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)
Summary of the main Achievements in the Year (Cont.)
Fundraising
Working with freelance fundraising consultant Samantha Hobrough in 2021/22 we submitted 17 funding applications to trusts and foundations to support Fertile Ground’s charitable activities. In addition, we were successful in our applications to Newcastle Culture Investment Fund 2022 - 2025 and two Arts Council Projects Grants applications.
In 2021/2022 Fertile Ground received:
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£8,000 form Maria Bjornsen Memorial Fund towards support of our core costs over the next 12 months
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£5,000 from the Three Monkies Trust towards the costs of providing professional career development for young dance artists and the 360 programme
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£5,000 from Scoops Trust towards the core costs of delivering our artistic activity during FY 2021/22, specifically the engagement programmes with children and young people
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● £3,000 from the LGA Foundation towards bursaries for young emerging North East dancers from less affluent backgrounds to enable their participation in Fertile Ground 360 programme over the next 12 months
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£30,000 from Arts Council England Project Grant for creation, production and 2021 tour of Myths & Dreams programme, alongside learning and participation activities
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Newcastle Culture Investment Fund 2021/22 Stabilisation Fund (£15,000)
We were also awarded:
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Newcastle Culture Investment Fund 2022-2025 (£10,000 annually) towards artistic and outreach programmes in Newcastle, in recognition of the vital part Fertile Ground plays in delivering the cultural vision for the city.
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£5000 from Garrick Charitable Trust to support our work with emerging professional dance talent in the North East in 2022.
Fertile Ground are deeply grateful for the support from all these organisations.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)
Financial Review
The financial out-turn for the year is an overall unrestricted surplus of £2,427 (2021: Unrestricted Surplus of £6,200), leaving a balance on Unrestricted Funds of £19,833 at 28 February 2022.
The Trustees consider the financial performance of the charity to be satisfactory.
Firmly rooted in the North East dance sector, we are cultivating our existing relationships and expanding presenting and outreach opportunities in the region and beyond. During 2021/22 we reached out to venues new to our network, in order to tour Myths & Dreams to Hexham, Ormskirk and Chichester in 2022. We continue to work with schools, colleges and community groups to make dance activities available to all, expanding partnerships in County Durham and Sunderland in under-served and deprived areas.
Over the last year Fertile Ground created a five - year artistic and strategic plan for 2022-2026 that consists of 11 new choreographic commissions for stage, digital and outdoors. We have a strong commitment to increasing representation of choreographers from different ethnic backgrounds and to supporting female artists. Working with and showcasing the talents of the top emerging professional dancers from the region remains at the core of our mission and purpose.
Impact of Covid-19
The extraordinary situation triggered by Covid-19 and the subsequent suspension of studio and live public-facing activities has an ongoing impact on the sector, including Fertile Ground. While our artists, audiences and participants were keen to return to face - to face activities as demonstrated by the high attendance at our 2021 events, it has been our experience that many venues have been cautious, under-staffed and slow in accepting bookings. This has a direct impact on the length of time it takes to book and present each new programme.
We have also witnessed a greater competition for funding to our regular sources – small- and midsized trusts and foundations and Arts Council England Projects Grants - in the months since the schemes re-opened.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 28 February 2022
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES
The Trustees (who are also the Directors of Fertile Ground Dance Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed by order of the Trustees
Leigh Venus Chair of Trustees Company Registration Number 10599285
24 August 2022
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS ON THE UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS OF FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
I hereby report to the Trustees of Fertile Ground Dance Limited (Charity Registration Number 1180001) on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 28 February 2022 set out on pages 16 to 26.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s Trustees (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods or principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102)).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Pete O’Hara, FCA, Chartered Accountant Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
4 Stoneyhurst Road West, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1PG
24 August 2022
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
| Note Income Income from Investments 3 Income from Donations & Legacies 4 Income from Charitable Activities 5 Other Income 6 Expenditure Expenditure on Raising Funds 7 Expenditure on Charitable Activities 8 Net Income/(Expenditure) Balance brought forward at 1 March Balance carried forward at 28 February |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2022 Total 2021 £ £ £ £ - - - - 5 - 5 41 8,230 66,000 74,230 50,042 12,858 - 12,858 2,968 |
|---|---|
| 21,093 66,000 87,093 53,051 2,900 - 2,900 2,975 15,766 80,000 95,766 21,327 |
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| 18,666 80,000 98,666 24,302 |
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| 2,427 (14,000) (11,573) 28,749 17,406 25,000 42,406 13,657 |
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| £19,833 £11,000 £30,833 £42,406 |
The notes on pages 18 to 26 form part of the financial statements.
All of the activities of the company are classed as continuing.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION/BALANCE SHEET AS AT 28 FEBRUARY 2022
| Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets 11 Current Assets Debtors 12 Cash At Bank & In Hand Creditors – Amounts Falling Due Within 1 Year 13 Net Current Assets/(Liabilities) Total Assets less Current Liabilities Total Net Assets 14 Represented by: Unrestricted Reserves 15 Restricted Reserves 15 |
2022 2021 £ £ 904 598 12,356 18,623 24,116 28,822 |
|---|---|
| 36,472 47,445 (6,543) (5,637) |
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| 29,929 41,808 |
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| 30,833 42,406 |
|
| £30,833 £42,406 |
|
| 19,833 17,406 11,000 25,000 |
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| £30,833 £42,406 |
The notes on pages 18 to 26 form part of the financial statements.
The Trustees are satisfied that for the year ended 28 February 2022 the charity was entitled to exemption under section 477(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees also confirm that the Members have not required the charity to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:
(i) ensuring that the charity keeps adequate accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act, and
(ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charity.
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 24 August 2022 and signed on their behalf:
Leigh Venus Chair of Trustees Company Registration Number 10599285
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 – 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland' ('FRS 102'), and with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value.
Advantage has been taken of the provisions in the SORP for Charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a statement of cashflows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.
Taxation Status
Fertile Ground Dance Limited is a Charity registered under the 1960 Charities Act and is accorded exemption from liability to taxation on its income under S505 Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.
Going Concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Income
All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income, any performance related conditions attached have been met or are fully within the control of the charity, the income is considered probable and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
-
Donations and legacy income is received by way of donations, legacies, grants and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Where legacies have been notified to the charity but the criteria for income recognition have not been met, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
-
Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
-
Investment income is included when receivable.
-
Income from charitable trading activity is accounted for when earned.
-
Other income is accounted for when receivable.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
1. Accounting Policies (Continued)
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:
-
Costs of raising funds comprise the costs associated with attracting donations, grants and legacies and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes.
-
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
-
Other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.
Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Capital items costing over £250 are capitalised and included in fixed assets.
Depreciation is provided on any fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the assets over their remaining useful lives as follows:
IT Equipment – 3 years
Impairment of Fixed Assets
A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.
Financial Instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost where there is a material adjustment.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
1. Accounting Policies (Continued)
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the purposes of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for specific purposes.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor.
Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
There are no significant judgements or estimation uncertainty included within the financial statements.
2. Legal Status
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £1.
3. Income from Investments
| Bank Interest Receivable | Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 2022 £ 2021 £ - - - - |
|---|---|
| £- £- £- £- |
4. Income from Donations & Legacies
| Donations - General Gift Aid |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 2022 £ 2021 £ 5 - 5 - - - - 41 |
|---|---|
| £5 £- £5 £41 |
The 2021 total of £41 relates wholly to Unrestricted Funds.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
5. Income from Charitable Activities
| Grant Income Arts Council England - Emergency Fund Arts Council England – Myths & Dreams Arts Council England - R&D Barbour Foundation Community Foundation Community Foundation – Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund Didymus Trust Leche Trust LGA Foundation Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund Percy Hedley 1990 Charitable Trust Scops Trust Three Monkies Trust Earned Income Arts Award Moderation Performance Fees/Commissions Ticket Sales Workshop Fees |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 2022 £ 2021 £ - - - 16,500 - 30,000 30,000 - - - - 15,000 - - - 1,000 - 15,000 15,000 - - - - 10,000 - - - 4,000 - - - 2,000 - 3,000 3,000 - - 8,000 8,000 - - - - 500 - 5,000 5,000 - - 5,000 5,000 - |
|---|---|
| - 66,000 66,000 49,000 - - - 392 7,662 - 7,662 150 418 - 418 - 150 - 150 500 |
|
| 8,230 - 8,230 1,042 |
|
| £8,230 £66,000 £74,130 £50,042 |
The 2021 total of £50,042 comprises £1,042 relating to Unrestricted Funds and £49,000 relating to Restricted Funds.
6. Other Income
| Rental Income Theatre Tax Relief |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 2022 £ 2021 £ 750 - 750 - 12,108 - 12,108 2,968 |
|---|---|
| £12,858 £- £12,858 £2,968 |
The 2021 total of £2,968 relates wholly to Unrestricted Funds.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
7. Expenditure on Raising Funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022 | 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fundraising Consultancy | 2,900 | - | 2,900 | 2,975 | |
| £2,900 | £- | £2,900 | £2,975 | ||
| The 2021 total of £2,975 relates wholly to Unrestricted Funds. | |||||
| 8. | Expenditure on Charitable Activities | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022 | 2021 | ||
| Funds | Funds | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Production & Activity Costs | |||||
| Twilight Dances Tour | - | - | - | 392 | |
| Bursaries/360 Programme | - | 2,000 | 2,000 | - | |
| Freelance Fees | - | 48,305 | 48,305 | 13,532 | |
| Advertising, Marketing & PR | 5,760 | - | 5,760 | 763 | |
| Travel & Subsistence Costs | 6,304 | 12 | 6,316 | 1,899 | |
| Other Direct Costs | - | 29,683 | 29,683 | 2,215 | |
| Support Costs | |||||
| Premises Costs | 1,375 | - | 1,375 | 125 | |
| Office Costs | 504 | - | 504 | 598 | |
| Depreciation | 263 | - | 263 | 63 | |
| Governance Costs | |||||
| Accountancy & Book-keeping Fees | 1,560 | - | 1,560 | 1,740 | |
| £15,766 | £80,000 | £95,766 | £21,327 |
The 2021 total of £21,327 comprises £302 relating to Unrestricted Funds and £21,025 relating to Restricted Funds.
9. Net Movement in Funds
| et Movement in Funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | |
| The net movement in Funds is stated after charging/(crediting): | ||
| Depreciation of Owned Fixed Assets | 263 | 63 |
| Independent Examiner’s Fees – Independent Examination | 1,080 | 1,080 |
| Independent Examiner’s Fees – Other Services | 360 | 360 |
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
10. Staff Costs & Directors’ Remuneration
The charity employed no staff in the year (2021: None)
No remuneration was paid to or waived by Trustees/Directors in the year (2021: £Nil) and no costs (2021: £Nil) were reimbursed to Trustees in respect of their attendance at meetings of the charity.
11. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Cost At 1 March 2021 Additions At 28 February 2022 Depreciation At 1 March 2021 Charge for year At 28 February 2022 Net Book Value At 28 February 2022 At 1 March 2021 12. Debtors Trade Debtors Accrued Income Theatre Tax Relief Prepayments |
Office & ICT Equipment Total Fixed Assets £ £ 878 878 569 569 |
Office & ICT Equipment Total Fixed Assets £ £ 878 878 569 569 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,447 1,447 280 280 263 263 |
||
| 543 543 £904 £904 |
||
| £598 £598 |
||
| 2022 £ 2021 £ - 392 - 15,000 12,108 2,968 248 263 |
||
| £12,356 £18,623 |
All sums are due within 1 year.
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
| 13. Creditors – Amounts Falling Due Within 1 Year Trade Creditors Accruals 14. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds |
2022 £ 2021 £ - 120 6,543 5,517 |
|---|---|
| £6,543 £5,637 |
| Fixed Assets Debtors Cash at Bank and In Hand Creditors – Due Within 1 Year 15. Analysis of Charitable Funds |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2022 Total 2021 £ £ £ £ 904 - 904 598 12,356 12,356 18,623 8,876 15,240 24,116 28,822 (2,303) (4,240) (6,543) (5,637) |
|---|---|
| £19,833 11,000 £30,833 £42,406 |
| Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Arts Council England – Myths & Dreams Arts Council England - R&D Barbour Foundation Community Foundation – Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund (NCIF) Community Foundation – NCIF Stabilisation Fund Didymus Trust Leche Trust LGA Foundation Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund Percy Hedley 1990 Charitable Trust Scops Trust Three Monkies Trust Total Restricted Funds Total Funds |
At 1 March 2021 £ Income in Year £ Expenditure in Year £ At 28 February 2022 £ 17,406 21,093 (18,666) 19,833 - 30,000 (30,000) - 15,000 - (15,000) - 1,000 - (1,000) - 2,500 - (2,500) - - 15,000 (15,000) - 4,000 - (4,000) - 2,000 - (2,000) - - 3,000 - 3,000 - 8,000 - 8,000 500 - (500) - - 5,000 (5,000) - - 5,000 (5,000) - |
|
|---|---|---|
| 25,000 66,000 (80,000) 11,000 |
||
| £42,406 £87,093 £(98,666) £30,833 |
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
15. Analysis of Charitable Funds (Cont.)
Name of Restricted Fund
Description, Nature & Purpose of the Fund
Arts Council England – Myths & Dreams To support the creation and tour of Myths & Dreams Arts Council England - R&D Towards the cost of the creation of Somnium and R&D of Labyrinth Barbour Foundation Towards an artistic and learning programme Community Foundation – Newcastle Towards the cost of schools work, plus a Cultural Investment Fund (NCIF 2021) contribution to the posts of Development Director and Artistic Director Community Foundation – NCIF Towards the cost of engaging dancers Stabilisation Fund Didymus Trust Towards work with young people and emerging dancers Leche Trust To support work with emerging dancers LGA Foundation To offer bursaries to 4/5 young emerging NE dancers from less affluent backgrounds, to enable them to take part in the 360 programme Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund Towards support of our core costs over the next 12 months Percy Hedley 1990 Charitable Trust Towards an artistic and learning programme Scops Trust Towards the cost of engagement with children and young people Three Monkies Trust Towards the costs of providing professional career development for young dance artists and the 360 programme
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FERTILE GROUND DANCE LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
16. Related Party Transactions
There were no transactions in the year with related parties, such as are required to be disclosed under the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (Effective April 2008) (2021: Nil).
17. Financial Commitments
No material financial commitments have been made in respect of future financial periods.
18. Company Limited by Guarantee
The company was under the control of its Trustees in the current and previous financial years.
The charity is incorporated under the Companies Act 1985 and is limited by guarantee, each member having undertaken to contribute such amounts not exceeding £1 as may be required in the event of the company being wound up whilst he or she is still a member or within one year thereafter.
There are currently 4 members of the company (2021: 4).
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