Internationally recognised choreographer, Jack Philp, joins DU Dance (NI) as Artistic Director
21st April, 2026
Jack Philp, an internationally recognised choreographer and artistic director, has joined DU Dance (NI) as its new Artistic Director. Jack has created commissioned work for several companies, organisations and vocational schools, as well as toured productions across the UK as the Artistic Director of his independent collective, Jack Philp Dance. DU Dance (NI) is a professional dance company that works across the island of Ireland, the UK and internationally, supported with funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. It has an inclusive policy of participation, without preconception of ability, and aims is to introduce people to dance as a tool for personal and social development.
DU Dance (NI)’s programmes include inter-generational, cross-community and inter-cultural work and the company is committed to training, sharing skills and building new audiences. With performance a key part of the process, DU Dance (NI) provides access to innovative contemporary dance projects across communities which may often have limited or no dance provision. The Arts Council recently spoke to Jack Philp about his new appointment, watch the video with Jack below.
Working with DU Dance (NI)’s team, Jack Philp will further develop this inspiring and forward-looking dance company. His leadership will focus on enabling artists and communities, championing the Northern Ireland dance sector, and driving meaningful connections across the organisation and beyond. As part of his recent work at National Dance Company Wales, Jack Philp supported the redevelopment of the company’s engagement strategy, tripling youth participation and influencing approaches to dance education across schools.
Speaking about his new appointment Jack Philp, said,
"I’m thrilled to be joining DU Dance (NI) as Artistic Director. The organisation has a powerful history of placing dance at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland and beyond, and I’m excited to build on this legacy. I’m really looking forward to working with the team, fellow artists, participants and partners to help shape our next chapter; developing ambitious, inclusive programmes that deepen participation, nurture leadership, and strengthen connections to the professional dance landscape.”
Jack Philp has also curated large-scale participation projects, including LAUNCH Festival, and mentored artists through Dance Ireland’s HATCH programme. His cross-border practice includes residencies with Dance Ireland, Dance Cork Firkin Crane and Galway Dance, alongside contributions to initiatives such as Luail’s Moving in Collaboration International Intensive as well as work with the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, helping to strengthen connections between community participation and the professional dance sector across Ireland and the UK.
Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said,
“Jack Philp has already made a vast contribution to dance, and his creativity, knowledge and experience will bring a further rich dimension to the work of DU Dance (NI). We are proud to be principal funder of DU Dance (NI) whose work helps to ensure that more people from all backgrounds enjoy arts experiences, and we are thrilled to see Jack Philp join this impressive organisation as Artistic Director.”
Jack is an alumnus of the Clore Leadership Programme, works as a guest rehearsal director for Luail, Ireland’s National Dance Company, and has recently developed new choreographic projects supported by Immersive Arts UK.
For more information of DU Dance (NI)’s projects and classes visit www.dudanceni.com
We recently caught up with Jack on our Arts Insider blog to find out what inspires him and what excites him for the future. Read more here artscouncil-ni.org/news/arts-insider-jack-philp-du-dance