MMDF2022 offers commissions and performance opportunities for nine choreographers on the outdoor stage of the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) on Friday, September 23, 2022, and Saturday, September 24, 2022. All choreographers, dance artists and companies working in any genre—including, but not limited to, modern and contemporary, African, ballet, ballroom, folk, hip hop, jazz, and social-dance influence (e.g., vogue, house, waacking)—are encouraged to apply; bold ideas are especially welcome. Early submission is encouraged; the submission deadline is Friday, April 29, 2022, 6pm.

This year’s theme is Carp Diem (Seize the Day).

MMDF2022 offers three categories of opportunities for choreographers and dance companies:

• Major Commission: Two choreographers will be commissioned to create a new, 30- to 45-minute work to be presented on the outdoor stage at JPAC on both Sept. 23 and 24. Commissioned choreographers will receive a $3000 stipend to create the work and up to 80 hours of free rehearsal space at JCAL. Commissioned choreographers will provide dancers, costumes, lighting, props, etc., out of commissioned funds.

• Emerging Artists: Up to three emerging and/or underrepresented professional choreographers and groups will receive a $1,250 stipend to present a 15- to 25-minute piece on the outdoor stage of JPAC on both Sept. 23 and 24. Choreographers and/or groups must demonstrate a track record of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts.

• Early-Career Artists: Up to four early-career professional choreographers and/or groups will receive a $750 stipend to present a 15- to 25-minute piece on the outdoor stage on Sept. 23 or Sept. 24; pre-existing work is preferred. Choreographers and/or groups must demonstrate a track record of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts.

MMDF2022 applicants will be selected by a jury of cultural leaders representing the diversity of New York City’s dance community; it will also include JCAL Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench.

Applicants will be chosen based on the strength of submitted work samples; clarity of choreographic vision; ability to communicate commitment to purpose, aesthetic and technique; an artist statement; evidence of training pertinent to the work; and a documented track record of artistic activity in New York City.

Selected artists will be notified in early June 2022. Calls of inquiry regarding the status of an application will not be returned.

MMDF2022 applicants may be considered for multiple opportunities but can only be awarded in one of them. All selected artists will receive up to six hours of rehearsal space at JCAL during the week before MMDF2022, plus one dress and one tech rehearsal on the JPAC stage.

MMDF2022 applicants must be at least 18 years old, NYC residents as of the application deadline, and have previously presented work in a public setting. Queens residents receive preference for all opportunities.

Making Moves Dance Festival 2022 is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Mertz Gilmore Foundation and Harkness Foundation for Dance; additional general operating support is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Council.

About JCAL

Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is devoted to offering quality visual, performing, and literary arts, and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. Operating hours: Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm; closed Sundays and major holidays. For additional information, call JCAL at 718-658-7400 or visit JCAL.org.