2026 Making Moves Dance Festival RFP
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is pleased to open its application portal for the 17th Annual Making Moves Dance Festival (MMDF2026).
MMDF2026 will present commissions by and performances from up to nine choreographers. MMDF2026 runs at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (153-10 Jamaica Avenue) from Friday to Sunday, September 18 to 20, 2026. All choreographers, dance artists, and companies working in any genre—including, but not limited to, modern, contemporary, African, ballet, ballroom, folk, hip hop, jazz, and social-dance influence (e.g., vogue, house, and waacking)—are encouraged to apply; bold ideas are especially welcome. Early submission is encouraged; the submission deadline is Friday, May 15, 2026, at 6 pm.
MMDF2026 offers opportunities for choreographers and dance companies as follows:
· Major Commission: Two professional choreographers will receive a $3000 commission to create a new, 30-minute work to be presented at JPAC. Artists will be selected through a Zoom interview after a video submission. Commissioned choreographers will receive up to 80 hours of free rehearsal space at JCAL (space permitting). Commissioned choreographers will provide dancers, costumes, props, etc., out of commissioned funds (no solos or duets).
· Emerging Artists: Up to three professional emerging choreographers will receive a $1250 stipend to present a 15-minute piece at JPAC. Applicants must provide a record of accomplishment of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts in their submissions.
· Early-Career Artists: Up to four early-career professional choreographers and/or groups will receive a $750 stipend to present a 10-minute piece at JPAC; pre-existing work is preferred. Applicants must provide a record of accomplishment of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts in their submissions.
MMDF2026 applicants will be selected by a jury of cultural leaders representing the diversity of NYC’s dance community; the jury will be chaired by JCAL Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench.
Applicants will be selected based on the strength of submitted work samples, clarity of choreographic vision, ability to communicate their commitment to purpose, aesthetics, and technique, an artist statement, evidence of training pertinent to the work, and a documented track record of artistic activity in NYC. Calls of inquiry regarding the status of an application will not be returned.
MMDF2026 applicants may be considered for multiple opportunities but can be awarded in only one category. Selected artists may request up to six hours of rehearsal space at JCAL/JPAC the week before MMDF2026, plus one dress and one tech rehearsal directly on the JPAC stage.
MMDF2026 applicants must be at least 18 years old, residents of NYC as of the application deadline, and have previously presented work in a public setting. Queens residents receive preference for all opportunities.
- Scoring will be based on technique, intent, storytelling, and presentation.
- Each work sample must include at least three minutes of straight video footage. Work samples should not be more than three years old. There are no reels, trailers, edits, or trims. If you send a long work sample, please timestamp the length for viewing, 3 minutes max (your best 3 minutes).
- Maximum 3 work samples.
- Submit work samples as online links (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive) in a PDF. If samples are password-protected and a password is not given, the application will be disqualified.
- Cover letters, resumes, contact information, and work proposals are required.
Application deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026, 6 pm.
Selected artists notified: Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
For any inquiries about the application, please contact Program Associate David Smith at Dsmith@jcal.org.
MMDF 2026 is supported by the Mellon Foundation, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and Harkness Foundation for Dance, with additional support from former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
About JCAL
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is devoted to offering quality visual and performing arts and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. JCAL is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and is closed on major holidays. For additional information, call JCAL at 718-658-7400 or visit www.JCAL.org.