BRIDGE PROJECT
Velocity’s Emerging Creative Incubator supports experimental dance artists who have been making work in the greater Seattle area for 5 years or less and self-identify as an emerging dance artist.
In this program, Velocity provides time, space, and money to research a new dance idea, and is introduced to foundational self production skills through the process of making and performing a new, 20 minute work. The Emerging Creative Incubator Program acts as an introduction between artists and Velocity, as well as Seattle audiences, and established artists for feedback.
HOW IS THE PROGRAM CURATED?
Emerging Creative Incubator is curated by the Velocity curatorial team through open application. They will review each application and score proposals using the below criteria, with scores from strongly meets criteria – somewhat meets criteria – does not meet criteria.
The highest scoring applications will be advanced to a discussion stage, where the panel will curate three projects for the program. Beyond scoring, the curators’ will be selecting based on what three pieces together create a varied and exciting collection of works for the event.
APPLICATION SCHEDULE / CRITERIA DESCRIPTION
Application Schedule:
Early Summer – Applications Launch
Late Summer – Artists are informed of the panels decision
Early Fall – Artists are announced
January/February – Residency + Performance
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
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Proposal demonstrates that the artist is (1) emerging; (2) a resident of the Greater Seattle Area; (3) available for all dates listed. (see below for more information) |
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Proposal articulates a research concept that is compelling that clearly translates to a presentation within a performance and shows artistic promise. |
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Proposal demonstrates that this project would provide clear benefit to the artist’s development. |
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Proposal articulates how an investment in this project will benefit the wider Seattle community. Projects interested in hosting an audition will be scored higher on community impact. |
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Proposal clearly articulates an embodied research concept that culminates in a new 20-minute work that is achievable, given both the artist’s experience and skills and the time and resources available. |
The highest scoring applications will be advanced to a discussion stage, where the panel will curate three projects for the program. Beyond scoring, the curators’ will be selecting based on what three pieces together create a varied and exciting collection of works for the event.
Within Criteria 1 –
- “emerging” – For the Bridge Project, we define emerging artists as individuals or creative teams who have been making work outside of educational institutions in the Greater Seattle Area for 5 years or less. We understand that there is nuance to this criteria, so we invite you to clarify on your application how you believe you meet this criteria.
- “in Seattle” – For the Bridge Project, when we say “in Seattle” we mean the Greater Seattle Metropolitan area, which includes King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. This project is specifically aiming to benefit residents of this region, so you must live and/or work in this area to be eligible for the Bridge Project.
- “available for all dates” – We mean that you are available to be present either physically or in some cases virtually for the entire duration of the dates listed. Selected applicants will set their rehearsal schedule during the residency, but they must be available for all meetings, technical/dress rehearsals and performances.
Within Criteria 2 –
- “Artistic Promise” – We mean that the proposal communicates a clear and innovative artistic vision, values, and intent. Because this is an opportunity for emerging artists, we understand that you may not have existing work that demonstrates these things, but artistic promise speaks to the demonstration that your future work will be defined by a strong vision, values, and intent.
Within Criteria 5 –
- “Feasibility” – The Bridge Project is a 6-week opportunity to create a short work to be presented alongside two other short works within a live theater context. We encourage you to stretch the limits of what is possible, but your proposal will be strongest if you help us understand how this proposal will exist within this context, and consider what is achievable given the resources and time available to you. We see the Bridge project as a catalyst for ideas, and many alums go on to expand their work beyond the original scope of the first performance, so keep in mind that this first iteration does not need to be the final product, but just the first premiere of your larger idea.
A NOTE ON WORK SAMPLES
The goal of this work sample is to give panelists a chance to see some of what you write about expressed through your work. Your work sample can be a fully produced recording of a live performance, but it can also be a rehearsal video or other in-process footage. If you feel like your work sample isn’t representative of your current practice, we encourage you to create content that does feel connected to where you are and what you would create now, even if it’s filmed in your living room. Panelists will be looking more at your ideas and expression, and less at the production value of the performance or video. Work samples can be dance film, documentation of live performance, other video content, spoken word, visual art, diagrams, sound or music, or any other sample that would help us to better understand you and your proposal.
A NOTE ON TIME LIMITS
The word and time limits listed in this application are offered as a suggestion and not a requirement. Our panels have a limited number of time to review each application, so we offer guides to give you an indication of the amount of content the panel could reasonably read, watch, and process from each applicant.