In 2021, as the previous board of directors stepped away from the organization and the current board took its place, it became urgent to the incoming directors that the newest iteration of Dancemakers create long-term strategies to implement the values of equity, sustainability, and inclusion. At the centre of these strategies was engaging the Laboratory of Artistic Intelligence to facilitate a research process that might inform the future development of Dancemakers. The findings of this report were synthesized into a report by Helen Yung. 

The report and accompanying documents are presented here to share what and whom Dancemakers commits itself to, and where it still has room to grow. In particular, this report names 10 guiding principles for Dancemakers (p. 16) and identifies sector-specific and institutional challenges (p. 17-21) that include but also go beyond Dancemakers. The accompanying documents also point to original new research and intellectual property (see Cinq à Sept presentation slides) that can be drawn on by Dancemakers and other groups going forward. Colleagues are encouraged to reach out to the artist-researchers for future presentations and opportunities to advance their individual research: Ange Loft, Ravyn Wngz, Pam Tzeng, and Shaista Latif.    

We thank our community and audiences for their interest in this change process. 

We believe the transformation that occurs at Dancemakers has the potential to shape the future for progressive dance organizations. As the artists, communities and audiences we serve continue to evolve and transform, Dancemakers hopes to change in step with them, and as such we embrace the practice of adapting and responding to the environment around us.

Dancemakers will continue to post updates to this ongoing process of transformation on our socials and newsletter. We encourage you to sign up HERE if you are interested.

Banner photo: Cinq à Sept hosted by Helen Yung of the Laboratory for Artistic Intelligence, 2023 / Photo by Henry Chan