What's Happening?
Dance/NYC has successfully completed the first round of grantmaking through its Dance Workforce Resilience (DWR) Fund. This initiative aims to support freelance dancers in New York City by promoting fair labor practices and reducing wage inequities. Over 120 applications were received in the first month, with applicants opting to remain in the pool for future lottery rounds. The DWR Fund offers one-time $1,000 grants to eligible freelance dancers for contracted work completed between January 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. The fund prioritizes individuals often underpaid or excluded from traditional funding opportunities, including African, Latina/o/x, Asian, Arab, and Native American dancers, as well as disabled, immigrant, transgender, nonbinary, and older dancers. Supported by the Ford Foundation and New York Community Trust, the fund is part of Dance/NYC's multiyear initiative to strengthen the dance ecology.
Why It's Important?
The Dance Workforce Resilience Fund addresses significant issues within the dance industry, such as wage inequities and lack of support for freelance dancers. By providing financial assistance, the fund helps dancers achieve greater economic stability, which is crucial for sustaining their careers. This initiative also highlights the importance of equitable labor practices in the arts, potentially influencing broader changes in funding and support structures for artists. The fund's focus on marginalized groups underscores the need for inclusivity and diversity in the arts, promoting a more equitable environment for all dance professionals.
What's Next?
Applications for the DWR Fund are accepted on a rolling basis through March 3, 2026, with new grantees selected monthly until all funds are awarded. Dance/NYC will continue to offer application support services, including technical and legal assistance, webinars, and guides, to ensure accessibility for all applicants. The ongoing grant distribution will likely foster continued dialogue about fair labor practices in the dance industry, encouraging other organizations to adopt similar initiatives.
