Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor for the JCAL Riddim & Jazz Festival! The festival will be Friday, July 26 at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, and Saturday to Sunday, July 27 to 28, in Rufus King Park. We are pleased to offer opportunities for vendors on both Saturday and Sunday.
JCAL Riddim & Jazz is headlined by two-time Grammy-winning jazz artist Samara Joy and is expected to draw a large audience, which will drive traffic to your tables.
Vendors pay $250 for a one-day table, or $350 for the full weekend.
Below is an application form. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate food vendors in the park at this time.
In the event of extreme weather, vendors will be granted a full refund.
Please provide a detailed description of your brand and products below. If it is a good fit, we will be in touch to set you up as an official vendor.
Selected vendors will be asked to fill out a W9.
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is pleased to open its application portal for the 15th annual Making Moves Dance Festival (MMDF). To create more performance opportunities, we have expanded to a three-day event at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC).
MMDF2024 will present commissions by, and performances from, up to nine choreographers on Fri., Sept 20, 2024, Sat., Sept 21, 2024. Sun., Sept 22, 2024. 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, waacking)—are encouraged to apply; bold ideas are especially welcome. Early submission is encouraged; the submission deadline is 6 pm Friday, May 10, 2024.
MMDF2024 offers opportunities for choreographers and dance companies.
● Major Commission: Two professional choreographers will each receive a $3000 commission to create a new, 30-minute work and present it at JPAC. Artists will be selected through an in-person audition/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: As many as three professional choreographers and/or groups that are emerging and/or identify as underrepresented 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: As many as four 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.
MMDF2024 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, aesthetic, 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.
MMDF2024 applicants may be considered for multiple opportunities but can only be awarded in one category. Selected artists may request up to six hours of rehearsal space at JCAL/JPAC the week before MMDF2024, plus one dress and one tech rehearsal directly on the JPAC stage.
MMDF2024 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.
- A minimum of 3 minutes of straight video footage per work sample is required. Work samples should be no more than 3 years old. No reels or trailers, no edits, or cuts
- If sending a long work sample, please timestamp 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 letter, Resume, Contact info, and Work proposal required.
Application Deadline: Friday, May 10, 2024. No exceptions, no extensions.
Selected artists announced to artists: Monday, June 10, 2024
Selected artists announced to the public: Monday, June 24, 2024
For questions about the application please contact:
David Smith, Program Associate- Dsmith@jcal.org
MMDF 2024 is supported by the Mellon Foundation, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and Harkness Foundation for Dance, with additional support from 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 and 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, performing, and literary arts and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. Operating hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; closed Sundays and major holidays. For more information, call JCAL at 718-658-7400 or visit JCAL.org.