Molly McCarthy posted on May 05, 2023 12:40
Maya June Dwyer of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts was one of 12 New York-based choreographers selected for the NYS New York Choreographers Initiative 2023, a funding opportunity administered by The New York State Dance Force in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts.
The NYS Choreographers Initiative is designed to help choreographers develop their choreographic skills by providing them with resources to advance their creative practice. The awardees each receive a $2,500 stipend, access to a mentor, and support for 20 hours of creative time with dancers and other collaborators of their choice. Each project is basically a mini-residency, designed to fit the specific needs of each artist.
“Through the Choreographers Initiative, artists can remain in their own communities to stage works, employ dancers, and grow with professional mentorships,” said Mara Manus, Executive Director of NYSCA. “This incredible opportunity seeds vibrant artistic expression all over our great state and we look forward to see what takes flight from this work.”
Maya will hold sessions over the summer of 2023 in Syracuse, N.Y., as well as New York City to explore new choreographic ideas with dancers from both regions. She will build her budget and project plan with the support of her mentor for this grant, acclaimed choreographer and creator Adam Barruch.