D.I.R.T. Festival 2019 Artist Info

January 1, 2019

Please note that we are no longer accepting applications for our 2019 festival. The 2019 festival, stormSURGE, will be held March 7-19. You can learn about the 2019 artist line-up and purchase tickets for the festival by clicking here!

The next call for artists will be Summer 2020. Below is information about our 2019 call for artists (which we put out Summer 2018):

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Now a biennial event, we are excited to announce our theme for the 2019 D.I.R.T. Festival: storm SURGE

The D.I.R.T. Festival, or Dance In Revolt(ing) Times, is a social political dance festival in its 4th year. D.I.R.T. presents the work of artists that explicitly addressing local/global challenges through their creative process. There are many ways that an artist may address such challenges – be it from the content of their choreography, to looking at who has a voice, to their process.

What we are looking for:
The D.I.R.T. Festival seeks to present dances that are rooted in social justice. In addition to artistic excellence, we are interested in ways that art can be used as political/social action, ways that art can be a vehicle and catalyst for positive change. We are looking for choreographers that will bring new work (i.e. a premiere) that is content-driven. There are many ways to tackle political and social issues via dance. Promoting and securing cultural traditions that might otherwise be threatened may fall under this category. All dance genres and points of view are accepted. Before applying please make sure that you/your company are available to perform either of the two weekends. Both mid-career and emerging choreographers are encouraged to apply and we welcome both those that are seasoned and those that are new to making socially relevant work. Artists that have previously been presented in the D.I.R.T. Festival may apply again.

This year’s theme:
The theme to this year’s festival is “storm SURGE.” Pieces that explore ideas and concerns surrounding Global Warming and the displacement that is happening as a result of environmental change will be given greater consideration. Artists from island nations are especially encouraged to apply.

The Details:

14 choreographers will be chosen to present work. The work must be around a socio-political theme. Preference will be give to choreographers that are proposing works that address climate change.
4-5 choreographers will present twice each weekend (shows will be either Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun evenings) at Dance Mission Theater – either March 8-10 or March 15-17, 2019.
Each choreographer will be given up to 12 minutes to present work (less is okay). Occasionally longer pieces will be considered.
Dance Mission will provide the publicity and marketing, however choreographers are encouraged AND expected to help get out the word. It is suggested that choreographers print and distribute weekend-specific postcards and press releases.
Choreographers WILL receive a commissioning fee
Dance Mission will provide technicians, lighting designer and all front of house staff. The lighting design will use Dance Mission’s house light plot. Each choreographer will have 2-4 hours to tech the week of their performance. The use of projection is determined on a case by case basis.
Each choreographer will be given 5 free hours of rehearsal space, after that space will be at a discounted rate of $12/hr during the week and $15/hr on the weekend.
If you would like to share the weekend with another choreographer because your feel that your pieces compliment each other nicely, feel free to mention in your narrative. Please note that this will neither hurt nor help your application.
It is highly suggested that choreographers look for additional forms of funding and not depend entirely on ticket sale income. Dance Mission can advise.
Choreographers will be required to attend a work-in progress showing and meeting. Details and dates TBA.

How to Apply:
1) Please write a short one-two page narrative that includes:

A description about the piece that you will present. Describe in detail. (Please note that unless you have prior written approval from Dance Mission staff, you MUST present the piece that you proposed.) The more detail the better.
The length of the piece length (15 minutes max, shorter pieces okay. On rare occasions will a longer piece be considered).
The socio-political issue/theme that your proposed work addresses and how the piece does that.
The number of dancers that are in your piece (solos also okay). If you use live or recorded music.
Your contact information (full name, email, and phone number).
Your history and point of view as a choreographer.
Anything else that you think we need to know.

2) Include a link to your work sample on youtube, vimeo etc (3 min minimum). The work-sample should show your choreographic voice and vision and be similar to the piece that you are proposing (i.e. do not submit a sample of a ballet you choreographed, if you are proposing a tap piece). If you can submit an example of the piece you are proposing, the better. Please submit the work sample and the narrative at the same time.

2) In addition to the narrative, choreographers must also have a work sample. In the body of your email, please include a link to your work sample on youtube, vimeo etc (3 min minimum). The work-sample should show your choreographic voice and vision and be similar to the piece that you are proposing (i.e. do not submit a sample of a ballet you choreographed, if you are proposing a tap piece). If you can submit an example of the piece you are proposing, even better. Please submit the work sample and the narrative at the same time.

Please email your narrative in a word document and work sample link to Stella-at-dancemission.com by 11:59pm Friday, August 31, 2018 , subject line “D.I.R.T. application.” You will receive an email confirming that your application has been received. Please allow up to 48 hrs for confirmation before calling to inquire.

A panel that includes Dance Mission staff and other Bay Area artists will review the applications. Announcements will be made in mid October via email. Questions? Call 415-826-4441

Please note that we are no longer accepting applications for our 2019 festival. The 2019 festival, stormSURGE, will be held March 7-19. You can learn about the 2019 artist line-up and purchase tickets for the festival by clicking here!