Artistic Introductions + Ideas Form

DanceWorks’ Artistic Introductions + Ideas Form aims to create an open channel of communication for artists to introduce themselves to our organization, and share information about the projects they are working on (if applicable). This is not an open call or an application, but rather part of an ongoing commitment to be in dialogue with artists in our community. 

This page will remain open, however, due to our part-time working hours, there is no guaranteed response time. We are dedicated to following up with everyone who fills out the form, even if to simply acknowledge that we’ve received the submission and to express our gratitude for the energy and labour it takes to do so. 

Please be sure to read our Mission, Vision, Values and Curatorial Statement and consider how your artistic practice/project may or may not be aligned before taking any next steps. Additionally, it may be helpful for you to view this recording of our recent Information Session (in particular 42:33 - 57:56 in the video, during which we discuss this form and submission process).

As a Toronto-based presenter, one of our priorities is to support local artists. Additionally, we are committed to presenting at least one touring production from a different province within Canada each year. Unfortunately, our capacity to present or support international artists and projects remains limited at this time.

Within the coming 6 months, we’ll be considering works and projects for our 24-25 and 25-26 seasons. If your project timeline includes a potential public presentation: 

  • between September 2024 - May 2025, we encourage you to fill out this form prior to March 15th, 2024.  

  • between September 2025 - May 2026, we encourage you to fill out this form prior to May 1st, 2024.

We welcome articulations of interest that include full-length productions and shorter works that could be programmed as a part of Double or Mixed-Bill events. Further, we’re interested in learning about projects and processes that re-imagine public engagement with choreographic works beyond conventional performance/presentation formats. Understanding how the development of thoughtful choreographic projects takes time, we’re eager to learn about projects that are already in process with a clear plan for resourcing the remainder of the creative development time needed. Our upcoming seasons of programming will include curator-selected projects as well as projects that we come across through this form.

We encourage you to remember that there are no right or wrong responses and that this is not a test of language proficiency. We’re seeking honest responses that connect meaningfully with our vision and dare to be self-reflective. Additionally, we recognize that artistic processes and practices change, so we encourage you to re-introduce yourself (regardless of any previous relationship or affiliations with DanceWorks) whenever it feels appropriate.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for engaging with these questions, and for your time, energy and thoughtfulness.

We’re cheering you on in your artistic endeavours!

David (left), Dedra (right). Photo by Kendra Epik.

Banner photo credit: In-Ward by Ebnflōh Dance Company. Choreography by Alexandra ‘Spicey’ Landé. Photo by Melika Dez.