2026 NYS Choreographers Initiative Guidelines

About the Open Call

The NYS Choreographers Initiative (NYSCI) is a program of the NYS DanceForce in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). It is designed to help individual choreographers, across all genres, develop their choreographic skills by providing resources often unavailable or unaffordable. These resources include a $2,500 choreographer stipend, a minimum of 20 hours of creative time with professional dancers, and the guidance of a mentor of the artist's choice, supported by a $2,000 mentor stipend. Additionally, up to $7,500 is provided for dancers’ fees, studio rental, documentation, and travel expenses. This initiative is strictly for experimentation and is not intended for specific productions, tours, incorporating new dancers into existing repertoire, or finishing works in progress. Each project functions as a choreographic lab, tailored to the specific needs of the artist.

What is Offered

A $2,500 choreographer stipend, a $2,000 mentor stipend, and up to $7,500 in support for dancers’ fees, studio rental, documentation, and travel expenses.

Requirements

Applicants must be individual artists (not collectives, companies, or organizations) committed to producing original choreography in any dance genre, residing consistently in the 55 eligible counties of New York State (excluding NYC, Rockland, Westchester counties) since January 2024. Video samples (less than 4 years old, rehearsal footage acceptable) are required. Preference is given to applicants who have produced at least one full evening of work or three or more shared bills within the past five years and select a New York State resident mentor. Current NYS DanceForce members and matriculated students are ineligible. Former recipients are ineligible for two years subsequent to their award. At least half of the 20 hours of studio time must occur in the artist’s home community. All project participants (except the mentor) must be New York State residents. Choreographers must select a mentor for a minimum of 2 consultations and 3 in-person rehearsal visits; a signed letter of intent from the mentor is required.

How to Apply

Applications open online on August 15, 2025, at https://danceforce.grantplatform.com/. Required attachments include applicant proof of residency (2 documents), choreographer’s bio, mentor’s bio, mentor’s letter of intent, and links to two video samples. Applicants are encouraged to attend virtual information sessions and schedule one-on-one consultations by emailing choreoinitiative@danceforce.org.