Next Steps for Boston Dance
This grant provides financial support and resources to choreographers and circus artists in Massachusetts to help them create original work and advance their careers.
Next Steps for Boston Dance is a grant initiative aimed at empowering choreographers and circus artists across Greater Boston by supporting their artistic growth and creative careers. Established through a partnership between The Boston Foundation, the Aliad Fund, and Movement Arts Creation Studio (MACS), the program is currently managed by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI). With a mission to strengthen the field of dance, the program offers multi-layered support that reaches beyond monetary aid, fostering a collaborative and resource-rich environment for grantees. The grant package includes a combined value of over $12,500 per recipient. Each selected artist receives $5,000 in paid rehearsal space that can be used in diverse venues, and $6,000 in implementation funding to support project creation or career development. Additionally, recipients benefit from five consulting sessions with experienced advisors in areas such as artistic development, technical production, communications, and planning. Cohort meetings further provide a platform for peer learning and mutual support, while alumni have access to extended post-grant support, including follow-up funding, workshops, and expert advice. Eligibility for the program is limited to choreographers and circus artists who have created and presented original work publicly outside of an educational setting within the last three years. Applicants must reside in one of five Greater Boston counties—Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, or Plymouth—throughout the entire grant period, which runs from March 2026 to September 2027. Post-secondary students pursuing degrees in dance or related fields are not eligible. Applications for the 2025–2026 cycle open on October 24, 2025, and must be submitted online by December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM. The application requires a short-answer narrative, an artist résumé, and two video work samples produced between September 2022 and October 2025. A juror panel will review submissions in February 2026, and recipients will be notified by March 1, 2026. Grant funds will be disbursed in September 2026. The program encourages applications from artists at various career stages and provides help through optional online information sessions, which include guidance on application components and submission procedures. Additional support is available from Program Manager Lila Hurwitz via the program email. Next Steps for Boston Dance continues to foster a robust and inclusive dance ecosystem within Greater Boston.
Award Range
$12,500 - $12,500
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
7
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
$5,000 rehearsal space; $6,000 implementation funds; 5 advising meetings; cohort learning; post-grant support.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Applicants must reside in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, or Plymouth County for the grant period. Must have presented original work in a public, non-educational setting within the last 3 years. Post-secondary students pursuing related degrees are ineligible. Collaborators are allowed if part of an ongoing duo.
Geographic Eligibility
Essex County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County, Suffolk County, Plymouth County
Review sample guidelines carefully; start early; plan your narrative responses; prepare videos; contact for tech access if needed
Application Opens
October 24, 2025
Application Closes
December 12, 2025
Grantor
Lila Hurwitz
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