The dance community is grappling with significant changes as one of its cornerstone programs, the National Dance Project (NDP), faces an impending transformation. For decades, NDP has been a vital lifeline for choreographers and presenters alike, fostering the creation and touring of innovative dance works. The recent announcement by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) that NDP will conclude in its current form has sent ripples of concern through the industry. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, there is also a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.
A new era is on the horizon as NEFA embarks on a strategic planning process to reimagine NDP. This transition reflects broader shifts in funding models within the arts sector. While some worry about the immediate impact on smaller and mid-sized companies, others see potential opportunities arising from these changes. Christy Bolingbroke, executive and artistic director of NCCAkron, highlights how NDP's support has historically enabled artists to tour more widely and presenters to take risks on new work. She emphasizes that this support system not only provided financial assistance but also facilitated meaningful collaborations between artists and venues.
The end of NDP in its current form presents challenges, yet it also opens doors for innovation and adaptation. As the arts landscape evolves, so too must the mechanisms that sustain it. The legacy of NDP lies not just in the funds it distributed but in the relationships it nurtured and the pathways it created. This moment of change offers an opportunity to reflect on the future of dance support and to envision new systems that can continue to foster creativity and collaboration. In this spirit, the dance community can come together to build a resilient and dynamic ecosystem that thrives in the face of transformation.
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