Subsidized Rehearsal Space Program
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:
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Be a non-profit dance company or freelance dance artist
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Use the space for a dance rehearsal
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Have had your work publicly presented (self-produced performances qualify)
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Have an annual budget* under: $500,000 – Calendar Year 2025
*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 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 is committed to addressing longstanding inequities in the dance field by expanding access to space and resources. In response to community feedback and in recognition of the systemic barriers that have limited opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists, we established a Priority Access Cohort within our Subsidized Rehearsal Space Program.
This initiative provides early access to studio space and discounted drop-in classes. Applicants who meet the general SRSP program qualifications may self-identify as eligible based on their experience as BIPOC-led or BIPOC-identifying artists or organizations.
| 2025 BENEFIT | GENERAL | PRIORITY |
| Annual cap per artist | 75 hours | 100 hours |
| SRSP hours available per month at $10/hour | Pool of 200 hours | Pool of 200 hours |
| SRSP hours available per month at $20/hour* | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Book space up to | 6 weeks out** | 10 weeks out*** |
| Other benefits | NA | $2 off drop-in classes
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*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:
- Tag us in your rehearsal photos and videos from the Dance Center!
Instagram and Twitter: @markmorrisdance
Facebook: @markmorrisdancecenter
#rehearsalspaceprogram
- 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 Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.