Physically Distant Commissioning Project
Dance Place will offer two (2) commissions to movement-based artists in the DC metropolitan region to create evening-length physically distant performance experiences, each of which will be featured as their own presentation. For each commission Dance Place will provide a $2,500 artist fee plus production support and a $1,000 materials budget. Artists are encouraged to be creative about the format of these performances so as to minimize contact between audience members as well as performers.
Dance Place anticipates a transitional period in the time after quarantine and prior to widespread vaccination. Physically distant programming will simultaneously encourage artists to innovate and ease audiences back into attending live events.
Strong applicants will take into account government and health official recommendations. Safety measures will be in dialogue with and supported by the production staff, who will do the utmost to ensure patron and performer safety. Dance Place is hesitant to name the safety measures, as we do not want to influence or limit the creative solutions of artists.
Flexibility and collaborative spirit are a must. Project timelines will be determined by federal and state determinations. In the event of shelter-in-place directive or any other factor out of our control prohibiting safe gathering, the performance will be postponed within a predetermined window or canceled with compensation.
Strong candidates will devise a plan to prepare for this event during quarantine and to execute the event expeditiously once health and safety guidelines permit. Artists must be willing and enthusiastic to collaborate with Dance Place to craft a safe and enjoyable audience experience.
One intention of this commission is to get financial support into the pockets of artists whose income has been drastically reduced by COVID-19. While this will not be explicitly asked in the application, we invite those whose income has not been dramatically affected to make space in this opportunity for those who have lost significant income.
Dance Place believes that people of color, people in the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities and women must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.
This application is open to artists working in all styles/ genres of dance.
In this unprecedented time, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas: benl@danceplace.org
Application deadline: Monday July 6