Subsidized Rehearsal Space Program

For non-profit dance companies and freelance dance artists

The Mark Morris Dance Group’s (MMDG) Subsidized Rehearsal Space Program (SRSP) aims to reduce barriers to accessing high-quality rehearsal space for non-profit dance companies and freelance dance artists based in New York City. Since opening the Dance Center in 2001, MMDG has provided thousands of hours of $10 per hour subsidized rehearsal space each year to non-profit dance companies and freelance dance artists. 

To qualify, you must:

1. Be a non-profit dance company or freelance dance artist

2. Use the space for a dance rehearsal

3. Have had your work publicly presented (self-produced performances qualify) 

4. Have an annual budget* under:

   1. Calendar Year 2024 – $1,000,000

   2. Calendar Year 2025 – $500,000

*This budget metric allows us to ensure that subsidized rehearsal space is going to those who need it most. Non-profit dance companies with budgets that exceed the maximum still qualify for discounted non-profit rehearsal rates.

Qualifying artists will be automatically offered the subsidized rate, when available, in response to submitting a Space Request Form. 

Priority Access Cohort

The Mark Morris Dance Group acknowledges its own privilege around access to space and resources and is committed to prioritizing  BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists. In response to feedback from our Dance Center community, we established a Priority Access Cohort of the Subsidized Rehearsal Space Program for non-profit dance companies and freelance dance artists who identify as BIPOC. Those selected receive access to space in advance of the general public as well as discounted drop-in classes.

In addition to meeting the general SRSP qualifications, you must identify as a BIPOC non-profit dance company or BIPOC freelance artist to qualify for the Priority Access Cohort.

APPLY HERE for our January-June 2025 Cohort.

• Only those who meet the qualifications will be considered. 

• We are able to accept up to 15 Priority Access Renters for the 2025 cohort. Should we receive more than 15 applicants, we will draw 15 from the qualified applicants lottery style.

• The January-June 2025 Cohort application closes Sunday, November 10, 2024. 

• We will notify the artists and companies who have been selected for the January-June 2025 Cohort by Monday, November 18, 2024.

*Once the pool of $10/hour hours have been rented, an unlimited number of hours will be available to qualifying artists and companies at $20/hour.

**On the 15th of each month, hours for the following month will be made available.

***On the 1st of each month, hours for an additional month will be made available.

*Once the pool of $10/hour hours have been rented, an unlimited number of hours will be available to qualifying artists and companies at $20/hour.

**On the 15th of each month, hours for the following month will be made available.

***On the 15th of each month, hours for an additional month will be made available.

SRSP Artists and Companies – Please:

1. Tag us in your rehearsal photos and videos from the Dance Center!

Instagram and Twitter: @markmorrisdance

Facebook: @markmorrisdancecenter

#rehearsalspaceprogram

1. Mention us in your program!

“This piece was [created/rehearsed] through access to subsidized rehearsal space at the Mark Morris Dance Center.”

This program is supported in part through Dance/NYC’s New York City Dance Rehearsal Space Subsidy Program, made possible by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, as well as through the Marta Heflin Foundation, Friends of MMDG, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.