Archiving and Preservation Fellowship Program

Geographic Scope: National (United States)

Program Description:
Pairs library science students with dance organizations and independent artists to organize, preserve, and provide hands-on assistance with archiving materials. Addresses two urgent challenges: (1) need for hands-on archiving assistance for independent artists and smaller dance companies, and (2) need for more trained archivists experienced in dance materials.

Focus Areas:

• Archives preservation and organization
• Community-based archiving
• Dance heritage documentation
• Specific thematic focuses vary by year (e.g., "Honoring Dance Elders and Pioneers")

Eligibility:

• Master's degree students in Library and Information Sciences (MLIS)
• Commitment to archives field diversity and equity
• Interest in building bridges of access with diverse communities
• Applicants committed to advancing equitable and inclusive archives field

Program Structure:

• Summer-based fellowships (12 weeks during summer)
• Practica with dance companies or independent artists
• Virtual and/or in-person work options
• Mentorship from professional archivists
• Cohort model with fellows convening together

Award Details:

• Four fellowships awarded per year
• Fellows work with paired dance organizations/artists
• Work can be conducted remotely

Organizations and Themes (2021 cohort example):

• AXIS Dance Company (physically integrated dance)
• DanceATL (community-based service)
• Viver Brasil (Afro-Brazilian dance)
• World Arts West (traditional dance forms)
• Theme: "Honoring Dance Elders and Pioneers"

Core Values:

• Equity and inclusion
• Diversity in archives field
• Preserving diversity of voices, practices, and identities within dance communities
• Community-centered approach

Funding Support:

• The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation ($450,000 award for 2020-2022; supported program expansion)

Program History:

• Builds on Dance Heritage Coalition (DHC) Fellowships in Archiving and Preservation (2001-2014)
• Dance/USA pilot Fellowships in 2018
• Formal launch announced August 2019
• First cohort began Summer 2020
• Extended to 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic
• New cohorts planned for 2022 and beyond

Contact:

• Imogen Smith, Director of Archiving and Preservation
• Hallie Chametzky, Archiving Specialist

Application Process

For Students (Fellows):

Application Timeline (based on 2020 cycle)

• Application Opens: January
• Deadline: February 28 (typically)
• Notification: Spring
• Fellowship Period: Summer (12 weeks)

Required Materials

• Application form
• Resume
• Statement of purpose/interest
• Academic credentials (master's student in MLIS program)

Eligibility Requirements

• Master's degree student in Library and Information Sciences (MLIS)
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in archives field
• Interest in dance materials and preservation
• Willingness to work with diverse dance communities

For Dance Organizations/Artists:

Application Timeline (based on 2021 announcement)

• Application Opens: July
• Submission Process: Online proposal submission
• Notifications: Post-selection announcement
• Fellowship Work: Summer of following year

What Organizations/Artists Submit

• Project proposal detailing archival needs
• Scope of work to be completed
• Organization/artist background and mission
• Description of collections to be organized
• Contact information and accessibility details

Program Components

1. Individual Practica
   • One-on-one work with assigned dance organization/artist
   • Focus on organizing and preserving archives
   • Can be conducted remotely or in-person
   • Work completed over summer period
2. Cohort Meetings
   • Fellows convene as cohort (typically at Dance/USA Annual Conference)
   • Professional development opportunities
   • Community building among fellows
   • Shared learning and resource exchange
3. Mentorship
   • Professional mentor (archivist) assigned to each fellow
   • Guidance on archival practices
   • Support throughout fellowship period
   • Professional development
4. Documentation and Dissemination
   • Fellows blog about projects on Dance/USA website
   • Learnings and resources disseminated to archives and dance fields
   • Project outcomes made publicly available

Application Submission

• Online submission portal (specific URL varies by cycle)
• Submission format: Typically online form with required documents
• Address: Contact information provided upon application opening

Selection Criteria

• Alignment with program thematic focus
• Commitment to diversity and equity in archives
• Quality of proposed project
• Feasibility of archival work
• Potential impact on dance community
• Fellow qualifications and experience