Ian Parmel, the Birmingham based inspirational co-founder of Black-led dance company ACE dance and music, was amongst those announced as recipients of awards in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List last week.
Ian, who for nearly 30 years has spearheaded transformative opportunities for children and young adults through dance, becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to the Arts, joining his wife Gail, who received an MBE in 2020.
Ian was understandably thrilled to learn of the news and was quick to share the honour with others,
“Sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in your vision! I am truly honoured and humbled to be recognised for this award. Coming from a small village in Trinidad my journey in the arts has been a long and rewarding one. I share this honour with my fellow artists, collaborators, young people and everyone who has helped shape the success of ACE dance and music.”
Settling in Britain in 1991, Ian was inspired by experiences in his native Trinidad of government supported annual arts programmes bringing together and celebrating the diversity of heritages on the island. The opportunities these gave young people to perform alongside professionals and for regular participation, led him to develop a passionate aspiration in Britain to give young people the same transformative opportunities of taking part in arts activities.
A talented musician, Ian joined Kokuma Dance Company in 1992, touring globally with Peter Badejo OBE as a master drummer from 1994, until co-founding ACE dance and music in 1997 and ACE Youth in 1998 with wife Gail.
The core philosophy for both Companies has always been a belief in the power of dance and music to further cultural exchange, and of the experience of that power as a positive force for raising aspirations in Black young people. Thanks to Ian’s encouragement and mentoring, they have had a disproportionately large impact on the representation of professional Black artists in the wider arts scene nationally – Jamaal Burkmar – Matthew Bourne Young Choreographer Award Winner 2016, Rudi Cole and Júlia Robert Parés (humanhood), Xhosa Cole – BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018 and Iona Waite BBC Performing Arts Award have felt the positive influence that Ian, Gail and their art can bring.
Paul Udenze, Chair of ACE dance and music was quick to send his congratulations to Ian at the news,
“Your dedication and exceptional work have truly made a difference. Your commitment to excellence has not only elevated the standards of our work but has also inspired all of us who have had the privilege of working alongside you. This recognition is richly deserved and reflects the impact of your tireless efforts and innovative approach”.
Ian continues to look for opportunities to support a new generation of artists, latterly with Springboard, using dance forms from the African diaspora and reflecting dance in the UK today to create new work.
He has championed the importance of presenting Black artists in visible places and of high-quality spaces. His next project is a new space, owned by ACE dance and music, that will double the current performance and studio spaces for future generations.