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About

Please note that this program has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, eight artists will be selected for Chicago Dancemakers Forum’s inaugural CrossHatch Travel Program. The program supports applicant-designed travel directly relevant to the artistic and/or professional growth of dancemakers making work in Chicago today.

The CrossHatch Travel Program includes:

• $2,500 cash grant for travel-related expenses

• Awards Celebration

• Pre-departure orientation

• Post travel convening with other awardees

Applicants can propose either domestic or international travel. Chicago-based artists working in any dance form and at any stage in their career trajectory are welcome to apply.

Past Chicago Dancemakers Forum awardees are diverse in age, gender, race and dance discipline, working in tap, Bharatanatyam, footwork, dance for the camera, voguing, contemporary, modern dance, and more. Many of these artists have built national audiences and international recognition since receiving support from Chicago Dancemakers Forum and, collectively, emanate the distinct character and power of new dance made in Chicago.

The Program aligns with an international mobility declaration (2014) made by the Safar Fund (Arab world), Art Moves Africa (Africa), CEC ArtsLink (USA), the Russian Theatre Union (Russia), Arts Network Asia (Asia) and the Roberto Cimetta Fund (Euro-Arab zone):​

• Aiming to provide travel grants for individual artists and cultural activists as a way of protecting the diversity of cultural and artistic expression.

• Affirming that facilitating face to face encounters is necessary to set up long term partnerships or alliances based on trust, reciprocity and fair exchange.

• Believing that mobility can provide creative learning opportunities that are crucial for the healthy growth of individuals and communities.

Eligibility and Criteria

Chicago Dancemakers Forum invites dancemakers who identify with the following statements to apply:

• I am currently and actively engaged in dancemaking in the greater Chicagoland area.

• I am prepared to travel to my proposed destination between August 2020 and August 2021, which includes holding the required government documents for travel, securing any additional funds necessary, and making plans for my absence during my travel.

RESTRICTIONS

• Primary residences must be located in the greater Chicago metropolitan area from during the time of travel and for at least one year following.

• Students enrolled in any degree program at the time of application are not eligible for the CrossHatch Travel Program.

• Anyone who has received more than $5,000 in pay or grant support from Chicago Dancemakers Forum between August 1, 2019 and July 31, 2020 is ineligible.

• Past Lab Artists (2003-2019), Greenhouse program awardees, Elevate Chicago Dance participants, RDDI Chicago artists, and all other eligible dancemakers are welcome to apply.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Quality and distinction of dance work

2. Clear and compelling intentions for travel

3. Capacity and skill to carry out proposed activities

​If you have questions about the CrossHatch Travel Grants Program, please contact Shawn Lent, Programs and Communications Director, via email at shawn@chicagodancemakers.org.​