bridge fund for dance

The Bridge Fund for Dance Program is designed to support the local dance ecosystem and broader dance community by investing in Minneapolis and Minnesota-based choreographers, dance companies, event producers, and performing arts organizations for the creation of new and existing creative dance & choreography projects in downtown Minneapolis. This Program aims to energize Minneapolis’ internationally recognized dance scene while attracting artists, audiences, and creative experiences to downtown. A total $450,000 is available for the Bridge Fund for Dance 2025 application round.

Projects must align with one of the following three categories:

Development and Research Residency Support :

Funding can be used for Choreographers, independent dance artists, companies, and collectives, to host 1–3-week creative development and research residences to incubate new dance ideas, innovation and collaboration.

Examples:

• Choreographer X would like to book one week of creative research time with five dancers to work on idea about climate change.
• Choreographer would like to create a two-week site-specific residency on the river to develop new ideas for site specific work.
• Opera Company X would like to incorporate 20 dancers into the next production and is seeking one week of dance residency to develop the choreographies.
• Choreographer would like a two-week residency to explore movement possibility with puppetry and the workplace environment.

Production & Tech Week Support:

Funding can be used for expanding / adding additional, final production elements to a confirmed future public presentation. Applicants must submit proof of actual plans and agreements for presentation in their proposal. Minneapolis-based touring project development is eligible for funding, but the applicant must mount a minimum of a one-week tech residency and presentation of a showcase in advance of the tour.

Examples:

• Festival X would like to provide additional tech support and research for dance company to incorporate complicated new digital lighting and production elements.
• Company X has been invited to perform in Duluth and is requesting a one-week tech residency to mount, rehearse, and bring together artistic elements before touring.
• Dance Company X would like to present their latest production at a theater and is requesting more time for rehearsals and tech staff to incorporate a non-traditional seating arrangement.

Presentation Support:

Funding can be used to incentivize new or expand existing fully-produced dance showcases / presentations / events in Minneapolis.

Examples:

• Dance Educator X would like to offer a Butoh intensive for two weeks followed by Dunham technique ongoing weekly class for five weeks.
• Festival X would like to present a large-scale electronic dance event and incorporate dancers for pop up performances.
• Choreographer would like to self-present a range of dance activations in the skyways, galleries, dive bars, and public squares to take audiences on a journey through the historic district of downtown.