2022 New Works Cohort Program

New Works supports artists each year through a variety of services, which include grant writing, administration, graphic design, marketing and promotion, mentorship, consultations and more.
These services are provided at sliding-scale and subsidized rates, with some aspects provided free.

After a successful pilot year, we are once again offering the Cohort program to support dance makers and companies, and we want to hear from you.

The New Works Cohort Program is a 5-month long program offering both mentorship and coaching. Up to 10 participants will have the opportunity to create individual learning strategies with the support of Julie Mamias, Executive Director of New Works, and Michelle Kneale, from the New Works Artist Support team; at the same time, the Cohort members will have access to monthly workshops and peer learning sessions.

By learning from each other’s experiences, the participants will gain sustainable skills and knowledge over the course of 5 months (from January to May 2022).

We are happy to announce the following artists have been selected to participate in our 2022 New Works Cohort Program: 

  • Jade A. Hails
  • Sarah Hin Ching U
  • COME EMOTE WITH ME, Rita Sheena
  • Shanny Rann, International Tristar Taiji Association
  • Paige McConnell and Kenzie Skoglund, Counterbalance Projects
  • Kaia Shukin
  • Rachel Helten
  • Elizabeth Ferns
  • Anya Saugstad
  • Sierra Megas

Potential Outcomes:


*Be part of a supportive network of dance makers, learning together and sharing experiences.
*Shine a light towards where your career or company is going, and feel empowered with new skills so you can get there.
*Be guided by a professional mentor, whose counsel is tailored specifically to your situation.

Selection Criteria:

  • This program is open to dance artists. Projects can include interdisciplinary elements.
  • This program is open to individuals, collectives, non-profits, and charities with an organizational budget under $150K.
  • The artist or company must be based in the province of BC.
  • The participant must have clear and specific goals and objectives.
  • The participant must commit to be present at the majority of the shared learning sessions: a 2-hour workshop + a 2-hour peer learning session each month.
  • The participant must commit to work with the mentor 1-hour each month for the duration of the program.

Draft schedule:

January:
Jan 18 10:00am to 12:00pm Workshop
Jan 20 5:00pm to 7:00pm Peer-to-Peer

February:
Feb 15 10:00am to 12:00pm Workshop
Feb 17 5:00pm to 7:00pm Peer-to-Peer

March:
Mar 22 10:00am to 12:00pm Workshop
Mar 24 5:00pm to 7:00pm Peer-to-Peer

April:
Apr 12 10:00am to 12:00pm Workshop
Apr 14 5:00pm to 7:00pm Peer-to-Peer

May:
May 10 10:00am to 12:00pm Workshop
May 12 5:00pm to 7:00pm Peer-to-Peer

We prioritize applications from equity-seeking artists who have or are facing systemic barriers that infringe on their artistic career. This includes, but is not limited to, artists who identify as Indigenous, Black, Person of Colour, Trans, Non-binary, Queer, Disabled, low income, and living in the intersections of these identities.

The requests for support will be reviewed by a selection committee, and the selected projects announced in December 2021.

If you have any questions please contact Michelle Kneale at michelle@newworks.ca.

About the 2022 Cohort Program Coordinators:

Michelle Kneale is an arts administrator, and dramaturg with over 10 years experience in professional theatre; She has worked for companies such as Boca del Lupo, Pi Theatre, Alberta Playwrights Network, Pumphouse Theatre, Handsome Alice Theatre, African Friendship Society, and Ne. Sans Opera and Dance. Michelle is currently Board Past President of the Playwrights Guild of Canada, and Board Vice President of Playwrights Canada Press. Michelle has experience with producing, governance, operations, administration, communications & outreach, grant writing, planning, leadership transitions, artist support, programming, as well as physical and digital organizing. 

Julie Mamias, New Works Executive Director. For more info about Julie, visit our New Works team page here.