Open Call: 2026 NY State Choreographers Initiative

The NYS Choreographers Initiative (NYSCI) is a program of the NYS DanceForce in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). NYSCI is designed to help individual choreographers, in all genres, develop their choreographic skills by providing them with resources that are generally unavailable or unaffordable.

NYSCI is designed to support dance artists in the development of their choreographic skills by providing them with resources that are often unavailable or unaffordable. The awardees each receive a $2,500 stipend, a $2,000 stipend for a mentor of their choice, and up to $7,500 in support for artist fees, studio rental, documentation, and travel expenses. Each project is essentially a mini-residency designed to fit each artist’s specific needs.

This is an opportunity for artists to try new approaches, engage with a mentor, and experiment freely without the pressure of production deadlines. It is not to be used for preparing for a specific production or tour, incorporating new dancers into old repertoire, or finishing a work in progress. Each project is a choreographic lab, designed to fit the specific needs of each artist.

Eligible regions are Western NY, Central NY, the Capitol District/North Country, and Hudson Valley/Long Island. Applicants based in the 5 boroughs of NYC, Rockland, and Westchester Counties ARE NOT eligible. Matriculated students are not eligible, and at least half the studio time must happen in the artist’s home community.

Deadline for proposals: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 11:59pm EST.

More information about the program, guidelines, information sessions, and application can be found at www.Danceforce.org.

You can also schedule a one-on-one consultation by emailing choreoinitiative@danceforce.org