FRWD is a two-year program supporting smaller budget sized dance organizations utilizing customized consultancies, cohort check-ins and convenings.

This cohort of up to twenty-five (25) organizations – dance academies, dance companies, dance schools – will operate with a shared concern for strengthening the next phase of the Black dance sector. A key focal point for this work is growth and sustainability and how that is achieved through the cultivation of dance artists and administrators at varying stages of their journey. The inaugural FRWD cohort will achieve program goals through virtual financial and organizational management sessions, general operating support, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, access to consultancies, and in-person convenings.

COHORT SELECTION CRITERIA
Key consideration for cohort participation include, but are not limited to:
• Commitment to collaborative participation and engagement with IABD, program consultants, and cohort companies
• Commitment to timely participation
• Depth of community relationships
• Engagement and demonstrated support of the local arts community

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations must meet the following requirements:

1.     501(c)3 tax-exempt status or fiscally sponsored organization (or international equivalent)

2.     Available to schools, companies and academies with at least five (5) years of existence

3.     Led by and/or established to serve communities or cultures of African or Indigenous Ancestry and/or Origin

4.     US and/or International based companies

5.     Vested interest and support of IABD, demonstrated through maintained IABD membership

Materials required for the application:

·      Organizational Statement (narrative)

·      Financial Information for 2019, 2020 and 2021

o   Profit and Loss (income and expense) statements

o   Balance sheets (assets, liabilities, and net assets) from QuickBooks or in an Excel spreadsheet

o   PDFs not accepted

·      For 2022

o   Operating Budget

·      Supplemental Materials

o   Please share up to three (3) additional items that demonstrate your community engagement, impact, and/or partnerships. Materials may illustrate how your organization has impacted the surrounding community; in what ways your organization demonstrates community engagement; what programs your organization currently offers that exhibit community impact.

DETAILED PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Kitchen Table Talks

IABD will design and deliver four (4) Kitchen Table Talks over the course of the program tailored specifically to needs and themes important to the cohort. Additionally, Kitchen Table Talks from COHI MOVE cohorts will be available for on-demand viewing.

FRWD Convening

An in-person cohort convening will take place during the Summer of 2023. The content for this session will provide opportunities for members of the cohort to delve deeper into dialogue and peer-to-peer learning.

Think Tanks

IABD will host small in-person gatherings with members of the cohort to discuss and determine strategies for the growth and development of the Black dance sector.

Check-In Calls

IABD will conduct bi-annual calls with each organization to gather feedback on the initiative, understand cohort needs, and assist the organizations with identifying appropriate field consultants and resources.