Synapse Arts - New Works is one of the company's core programs.

Since 2010 the program's structure has evolved, always supporting independent and underrepresented dance makers to develop their creative and producing skills as they create new dance-based work.

The current cycle of New Works culminated on June 23 & 24, 2023.

Learn more about New Works 2023 artists here: New Works 2023

Synapse Arts invites proposals from choreographers/directors who wish to take part in New Works, a program that supports independent dance-based artists by commissioning them to make original performance pieces.

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. Since its beginning in 2010, New Works has commissioned 23 original dance-based works.

The 2025 cycle will begin in January, with final showings, screenings, or works-in-progress sharings as the culmination, during Chicago Dance Month in June 2025.

Artists may select whether they plan to create work that is for live performance in a small black box type theater, a virtual performance, a site-specific live performance, or dance film/video. The final presentations will be low tech, casual, and inclusive.

Two choreographer/director positions are available by application. Applicants should be independent artists who are developing their body of work and are interested in learning how to self-produce, or who are taking their work in a new direction. Proposed pieces may be created for any number of performers, including solos, and can be part of ongoing projects.

Please note:

Applicants who have not worked within the New Works program previously will take priority.
Artists cast their own works - think along the lines of self-production with support.
Synapse is an artist led organization that works to co-support art makers, we are not a production company or repertory company.
Preference is given to professional artists not currently enrolled in a degree program.

What Artists Receive

The selected choreographers/directors will receive:

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 2025 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.
Support from the staff and collaborators of Synapse, including a work-in-progress showing and rehearsal visits, if desired.
Hands-on experience in performance production.
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 in performance.

This 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.

We are attempting to be as transparent as possible in explaining this program and what we are asking for in your proposal. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out via email. Since our staff does not work full time (we are all part time workers) we do not have an office number and prioritize written communication that can be answered during our work hours. Transparency is a way of de-bundling the power we acknowledge exists within the relationship between an organization and an applicant, please know that we are artists ourselves and have experienced all the parts of application processes. All respectful questions are welcome!

INFO SESSION

A free application workshop took place in person at Loyola Park on Saturday, October 26th, 2pm-3:30pm CDT, as part of Synapse Arts' annual Free Dance Day event. Former New Works artist and review panelist Chris Knowlton led the workshop, along with former New Works artist and panelist Jamila Kekulah. Notes from the session are available below!

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.

Please email info@synapsearts.com to request a transcript of the closed captioning.

of talented stylists

New Works

About the Program

What Artists Receive

INFO SESSION