By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – Dancemakers from around the world have the opportunity to bring their creative work to Albuquerque as applications open for Keshet’s 2027 Makers Space Experience.
The annual 10-day residency, organized through Keshet Dance Company & Center for the Arts’ Ideas and Innovation Community, brings choreographers and dancemakers together to develop projects while building connections with fellow artists.
Rather than requiring artists to arrive with a finished production, the Makers Space Experience allows participants to bring work at different stages of development, from new ideas to projects nearing completion.
Elysia Pope, Keshet’s Ideas & Innovation Community Director, explains that the organization is particularly interested in artists who want to connect with others while developing their work.
“The thing we’re looking for most in applicants will be artists who are eager to build community through this cohort,” says Pope. “The Makers Space Experience is meant to facilitate peer exchange, so we’re excited to welcome artists who are at a point in their career, whether they are emerging or seasoned artists, who are looking forward to building community while deepening their practice.”
Selected artists will participate in one of two cohorts. The first runs Jan. 28 through Feb. 7, 2027, while the second is scheduled for July 22 through Aug. 1. Applicants are expected to receive decisions by Oct. 30.
During the residency, participants have opportunities to work independently and alongside their peers.
“The residency offers an exciting and flexible schedule of daily peer-led movement classes, ample time for individual studio time, opportunities for peer exchange and feedback, and Keshet’s Arts Business Workshops,” says Pope.
Those workshops add a professional development component to the residency. Keshet offers arts business programming on subjects including grant writing, marketing and branding, financial management and intellectual property law.
Each cohort will culminate in a Choreographers’ Showcase at the Keshet Center for the Arts, scheduled for Feb. 6 and July 31. The showcases will be open to the public.
For artists considering applying, Pope encourages them to embrace the range of perspectives they may encounter.
“Come with an open mind and an open heart,” says Pope. “Cohorts are made up of artists who are all at different stages of their art practice and life, and with that comes ample opportunity to grow your perspective.”
Applications for the Makers Space Experience are due Thursday, Oct. 1, at 5 p.m. MST. Interested dancemakers can find more information and access the application through Keshet’s Makers Space Experience website.