PROGRAMS

New Works

SUPPORTING ARTISTS SINCE 2010

Top: Qū Jié is in a close-up frame, looking down. Bottom: Close-up of two white women standing next to each other with a playground and trees under grey skies in the background. The woman on the left, Aurora, has brown eyes and chin-length straight brown hair, and stares at the camera with an intense focus and downturned mouth. She is wearing a pink shirt and a gold nose ring. The woman on the right, Christine, has blue eyes and shoulder-length wavy brown hair, and stares at the camera with wide open eyes and mouth. She is wearing a grey sweatshirt on top of a black T-shirt.

New Works 2026

Selected Artists

Synapse Arts and the 2026 New Works artists Aurora Tabar, Christine Shallenberg, and Qū Jié 曲洁 invite you to our culminating performances! The annual New Works program provides rehearsal space, mentorship, career building, and stipends to support underrepresented dance artists as they try new things. All events take place at Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd in Chicago.

THURSDAY June 25 at 7:00 pm

FRIDAY June 26 at 7:00 pm

SATURDAY June 27 at 2:00 pm

SUNDAY June 28 at 2:00 pm

Each performance uses multiple spaces, all with ramped access points. Full wayfinding, access, and inclusion information is available at this link:  
Berger Park Cultural Center - Access and Location Information

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Read about this year's cohort!

NEW WORKS 2025

Enjoy dance projects by KIKI King, Amanda Maraist, and Camila Rivero Pooley in a shared event that flows between outdoor and indoor spaces.

All spaces are fully accessible and wayfinding details are here.

READ PLAYBILL

What is New Works?

Program History

New Works has developed extensively since it's first version in 2010. Now the program is an annual, 6-month long incubator for emerging and underrepresented artists. Up to three artists (or artist groups) are selected through a public request-for-proposals and panel review to receive commissions supported by rehearsal space, a dedicated mentor, professional development, fully-produced performances, and documentation. 27 works by women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC makers have premiered to date, culminating in consistently sold-out performances of the new pieces developed by the supported artists.

This Chicago-based program reflects the founding principles of Synapse Arts, connecting artists with one another to share resources and develop their voices through the creation of unique artworks.

The minimal and flexible structure is intended to organize a process that provides balance and direction without restricting creativity. New Works can be a step in your artistic evolution; we are interested in helping move focused artistry forward.

A recorded information session from a panel of former New Works artists, including Maria Blanco (of LOUD BODIES), Chris Knowlton, Amanda Ramirez, Megan Rhyme, and Nora Sharp is viewable here. Please email info@synapsearts.com to request a transcript of the closed captioning.

View past artists and see what they're up to now here!

How do we support New Works Artists?

Program Offerings

  • A $1,000 stipend which can be used to pay oneself and/or to pay for costumes, additional rehearsal space, collaborator fees, etc. Please note that artists will receive a 2026 1099 for this payment.
  • Free rehearsal space at our Chicago Park District locations (schedules allowing).
  • Mentorship from an outside person selected in collaboration with the artist, who receives a stipend. This person must be a professional contact.
  • Support from the staff and collaborators of Synapse, including a work-in-progress showing and rehearsal visits.
  • Hands-on experience in performance production, in a focus area most needed by the artist. Examples from past New Works artists: marketing, grant writing, project planning, sponsorships.
  • A place in a final performance or showing or screening, produced by Synapse Arts with public relations & marketing.
  • Professional photos and video of their work.

Requirements & Eligibility

2026 Application Now Closed

2026 Questions-

Requests for Proposals