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Archiving and Preservation Fellowship Program

DANCEUSA

Foundation Annual Grants for DanceHistory Grants
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Archiving and Preservation Fellowship Program

Status: Active program with periodic application cycles

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

    • How to Apply

    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
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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    dancehistory

    Categories

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