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Creation Fund

 

The Creation Fund is a shining example of our mission to develop and distribute original Canadian contemporary dance. Commissioning work is a priority activity for the network. It is a presenter-driven process which deepens the working relationship among artists and presenters. In essence, presenters propose artists they trust and believe in, with whom they have a productive working relationship, often of many years’ duration. They actively discuss artist candidates, weighing factors such as a choreographer’s presenting and touring history and experience, track record of innovation, mastery of craft, and the contribution the artist has made to the art form. The presenters must feel confident that the artist they nominate can create a work that will succeed in each of their venues.

When a minimum of four members of the CanDance Network agree to commission an artist, they can apply to the CanDance Network for matching funds. Each presenter makes a financial contribution towards the creation costs of a new work, which they plan to present as part of a Canadian tour. Through the Creation Fund, choreographers receive support to create and develop new works culminating in a performce tour of at least four Canadian cities. This develops new audiences, and enhances the artistic experience for current audiences who crave innovation. It offers an unprecedented opportunity to dance creators, by giving commissioned dances a longer life and a national audience. It gives a vote of confidence and financial support to a choreographer, increases the interaction of this artist and/or company with Canadians in cities outside their home market, and provides employment for dancers and choreographers.

The CanDance Network has established a reputation for identifying promising artists and helping them break into the tour circuit. By drawing on the expertise of members who work closely with local artists, the network develops a body of knowledge about these artists. The Creation Fund receives financial support from The Canada Council Dance Section.

More information: 

- Application Guidelines
- Sample Creation Fund Contract
- Recognition Guidelines

Creation Fund Recipients

  • 2009-2010: Ame Henderson, Louise Lecavalier, Byron Chief Moon
  • 2008-2009: Jose Navas, Denise Fujiwara
  • 2007-2008: Montréal Danse Commissions Sarah Chase On the Ice of Labrador / Sur les glaces de Labrador
  • 2006-2007: Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg, Martin Bélanger, Pierre Paul Savoie Danse
  • 2005-2006: George Stamos, Crystal Pite/Kidd Pivot
  • 2004-2005: Wen Wei Wang
  • 2003-2004: Matjash Mrozewski; Natasha Bakht commissions Shobana Jeyasingh
  • 2002-2003: Daniel Léveille/ DL Danse
  • 2001-2002: Lola MacLaughlin/Lola Dance
  • 1999-2000: The Holy Body Tattoo, Deborah Dunn, Coleman/Lemieux, Peggy Baker commissions Paul-André Fortier
  • 1998-1999: David Pressault, Roger Sinha, José Navas
  • 1997-1998: Gwen Noah, Andrew Olewine, Tedi Tafel
  • 1996-1997: The Holy Body Tattoo, Pierre-Paul Savoie Danse, Julia Sasso.
  • 1995-1996: José Navas, Lee Su-Feh, Roger Sinha
  • 1994-1995: Deborah Brown, Tedd Robinson, Deepti Gupta, Kokoro Dance, Yvonne Coutts

Go to the Picture Gallery to view photographs from these innovative works of choreography.


Artists’ comments on the Creation Fund:

Sur la glace de Labrador

"Being chosen by CanDance for a Creation Fund project has been extremely positive for two reasons. The first, of course, is the financial assistance it gave us in the creation of the work with Sarah Chase. This time also allowed her to evolve her distinctive way of constructing a solo or duet work to meet the demands of a group piece. 

The Second impact of the creation fund has been on the immediate touring life of the project. Typically, there is at least a year between the premiere of a new work and its first touring dates. With the CanDance presenters involved in the project, we are assured of an immediate touring life for the piece as well as excellent showcases for other presenters to see the work."

2007-2008, Kathy Casey, Montreal Danse

 

Tryptych Self

"It was very rewarding to have been chosen for the Creation Fund. As a result of the project, I was able to connect with and meet new collaborators in both Britain and Canada. The prestige of the CanDance fund seemed to follow me wherever I went in CAnada such that even people who did not know my work were intrigued to find out more. Participation in the Creation Fund has definitely benefited my career. I have improved my own skills of choreography by observing and collaborating closely with Shobana Jeyasingh, a choreographer whose work and mind I value greatly. The Creation Fund has given me a new piece to add to my repertoire of solo works making it more feasible for my work to tour and be seen in more diverse venues nationally and internationally. "

2003-2004, Natasha Bakht, Dancer

 

Break Open Play

"It was a great honour to have been selected by the CanDance Creation Fund to receive funding towards the creation and touring of Break Open Play. At this stage in my career, it is a huge vote of confidence to have this kind of support and resource to work with. With few exceptions, my work within Canada has been mostly showcased in Ontario. It is encouraging and inspiring to receive this national visibility and recognition."

2003-2004 Matjash Mrozewski, Toronto

 

Circa

"Beyond the cash prize, the commitment of presentation and the endorsement of the network bring credibility to the project while it is in its developmental stages. This was particularly true when it came to raising funds from foundations and other co-producers."

1999-2000, Noam Gagnon and Dana Gingras, The Holy Body Tattoo, Vancouver

 

Volio

"I felt the Creation Fund gave me the freedom to create the kind of work that I wanted, as Volio would already have a touring life ahead of it. It provided exposure to a broader audience and helped to raise the profile of the company. (Volio premiered at the Canada Dance Festival at the National Arts Centre on June 8, 2002 and went on to give 21 performances in nine cities plus 26 artist talks and workshops.)

2001-2002, Lola MacLaughlin, Lola Dance, Vancouver