Lab Artists Program

Active (2003 - present)

In its 22nd year, Chicago Dancemakers Forum's signature Lab Artists Program is the most substantial source of support for individual dancemakers working in Chicago with an open call process. In 2025, four Chicago-based dancemakers will each receive a cash grant of $25K USD along with a year of tailored support to aid in their research, exploration, development, and potential presentation of dance work.

Text-based Logo for DanceChance2023

DanceChance

Active (2023 - 2024)

A monthly gathering of works-in-progress sharing and dialogue by local dancemakers working in any form.

A masked dancer in a black dress in a dark room.

Residencies

Active (2015-Present)

Chicago Dancemakers Forum partners with The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, Performance Response Journal, Rebuild Foundation, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago to provide selected dancemakers with resources, collaborations, support staff, and space to develop their projects.

White text on a purple background, "Chicago-Area Dance Leaders Invited to Apply. DanceUSA 2023 Conference Scholarships."

Dance/USA 2023 Conference Scholarships

Closed (2023)

Thanks to the generous support of the Walder Foundation, Dance/USA partnered with Chicago Dancemakers Forum to offer scholarships to Chicago area dance artists/administrators for the Dance/USA 2023 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Digital Dance Grants

Completed (2021)

The 2021 Digital Dance Grants supported selected local dance creators in their artistic growth in using digital technologies during the era of COVID-19. In 2021, ten Chicago-based dancemakers were awarded $10,000 USD for the development of new digital dance works.

An Asian woman with pulled-back hair shown mid-movement, her left arm bent and gaze on the ground.

Greenhouse
Program

On Hold (2011, 2018, 2019)

The Greenhouse Program promotes artistic growth in emerging Chicago dancemakers with financial support for the research or development of new work . Dancemakers are awarded $4,000 to support their creative process over the course of three months. To apply, an emerging dancemaker must have the committed involvement of a mentor. An additional $1,000 is awarded to the mentor.

Two figures on a stage shown in silhouette, one behind the other, with long poles balancing horizontally on their heads.

CrossHatch
Travel Program

On Hold

Chicago Dancemakers Forum’s inaugural CrossHatch Travel 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, and Post travel convening with other awardees.

A Black musician wearing white face paint of dots and triangles holds two drum sticks in front of four large drums.

Regional
Dance Development Initiative

Archived (2015-2017)

The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) and the Chicago Dancemakers Forum partnered 2015-17 to produce the Regional Dance Development Initiative (RDDI) Chicago , designed to support professional development for Chicago-based dance makers, build connections that will nourish dance artists, and develop the overall capacity and infrastructure of the Chicago dance community.