CHICAGO, IL, 10/15/2019 Images Available Here. - Chicago Dancemakers Forum's new CrossHatch Initiative promotes artistic growth for dancemaking artists and builds connections for, and awareness of, Chicago dance internationally. With opportunities for Chicago dancemakers in 2019 and beyond, this multi-year initiative has been designed to catalyze crossdisplinary and cultural relationship-building and exchange, and has four program areas:
An International Dance Engagement Workshop and Public Symposium ( November 2019 ).
Up to $20,000 in travel grants for Chicago dancemakers ( Application deadline May 2020 ).
Elevate Chicago Dance 2020, a dance festival designed to raise the international profile of Chicago dancemakers and facilitate relationships with international presenters ( October 2020 ).
Potential of international exchange opportunities for Chicago dancemakers in 2021 with activities designed to strengthen and expand the relationships begun in earlier portions of the initiative.
CrossHatch Initiative — Fall 2019
Beyond Our Borders, a two-day workshop tailored for Chicago dancemakers and dance administrators on navigating the international performing arts landscape. The workshop will be facilitated by NYC/Pittsburg-based American Dance Abroad on Thursday and Friday, November 7 and 8, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Participants will gain deeper understanding of the current touring scene, explore ways to integrate international work into their practice, build their international profile, and gain perspective on their work by viewing it through an international lens. The workshop is limited to 25 participants and is already sold out, but interested artists can e-mail shawn@chicagodancemakers.org to be placed on the waitlist.
Andrea Snyder, co-founder and co-director of American Dance Abroad, confirms that "the Beyond Our Borders skill-building workshop will ensure that Chicago artists will be well-prepared for potential international opportunities. Understanding the international landscape is essential for positive and effective relationship-building. We are delighted to work with Chicago Dancemakers Forum on its important initiative."
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CrossHatch Symposium, a one-day event for dancemakers, arts leaders, and others. It will include panel discussions, workshops, presentations and cross-learning. It will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Click here for registration. The event is free, with lunch provided. Participants will discuss travel and touring with Chicago artists who have taken their work abroad, learn about cultural diplomacy and international exchange opportunities, join in cross-disciplinary experimentation with choreographic ideas, get information on passports and visas, and hear about Chicago Dancemakers Forum's new travel grants program.
Both the Beyond Our Borders workshop ( November 7-8 ) and CrossHatch Symposium ( November 9 ) will take place at High Concept Labs/Mana Contemporary Chicago, 2233 S Throop St, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60608. The entrance is on the east side of the building, by the parking lot. The space is wheelchair accessible.
"Chicago-based dance artists are making extraordinary, boundary-breaking work," says Sharon Hoyer, director of High Concept Labs. "We're thrilled to partner with Chicago Dancemakers, American Dance Abroad and Mana Contemporary to help provide resources for these amazing artists to bring their work to international audiences."
Chicago Dancemakers Forum's Executive Director, Ginger Farley shares, "The depth and range of dance in Chicago merits broader exposure and engagement across all kinds of boundaries. We are so pleased to partner with HCL/Mana to bring American Dance Abroad to Chicago to work with the dynamic artists that are making dance here. Chicago dancemakers are eager to share dialogue and develop skills so that they can participate in new and enriching experiences at home and overseas."
The Beyond Our Borders workshop and CrossHatch Symposium are supported by Bonnie Brooks, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Chauncey and Marion D. McCormick Family Foundation, and the Institute of International Education.
For more information on the events please contact Shawn Lent, Chicago Dancemakers Forum's Programs and Communications Director at shawn@chicagodancemakers.org .
About Chicago Dancemakers Forum - Chicago Dancemakers Forum is the only organization in the city dedicated solely to nurturing the artistic advancement of dancemakers. Since its inception in 2003, Chicago Dancemakers Forum has granted over $1 million to artists and is the single largest, local source of support for the city's dancemakers which has an open call for applications. Through robust interaction among dancemakers and with the public, Chicago Dancemakers Forum builds broad support and appreciation for Chicago's diverse dance communities. For more information visit chicagodancemakers.org.
About American Dance Abroad - American Dance Abroad is a national organization that connects U.S. choreographers and dance companies with international presenters and dance professionals on every continent. Its mission is to strengthen the export of American dance artists and companies by helping them to build international relationships. It is also a financial and information resource for professionals in the U.S. dance community who wish to work internationally. For more information visit americandanceabroad.org.
About High Concept Labs - High Concept Labs ( HCL ) supports artists and facilitates dialogue between artists, audiences, and staff. This increases access and transparency to the artistic process and fosters transformational experiences in an environment of experimentation and discovery. For more information visit highconceptlabs.org/ .
About Mana Contemporary Chicago - Mana Contemporary Chicago is a rapidly expanding art center set in an enormous landmark building in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. Designed by noted local architect George Nimmons, the building is now home to artists' studios, exhibition spaces, classrooms, a cafe, library, and more. As is the case in Jersey City, Mana Contemporary Chicago serves as a nexus for the many of the city's most significant artists and arts organizations. Artists of diverse disciplines and professional levels work alongside each other in studios that vary widely in size. Mana Contemporary strives to grow a vital community of Chicago artists, showcasing their practices, processes, and ideas.. For more information visit manacontemporary.com .
—From a press release
