New Edge Residency & New Edge Mix Description:

The NEW EDGE Artists Service Program, now in its 18th year, provides support to emerging performing artists (i.e., dancer/choreographers, performance artists, and theater artists), in the development and presentation of their work. The program has two tiers serving to support artists throughout the arc of their career development. The first tier is the New Edge Mix showcase for artists at the beginning stages of their development and/or who have few opportunities to perform. The second tier, the New Edge Residency, is for artists who have had substantial performance experience yet are emerging, and for whom the residency opportunity could make a significant impact on their career advancement at this time.

New Edge Residency (Dance/Dance Multi-Media, or Performance) provides unique 4-9 month residencies that support artists in the development and presentation of new work. Two emerging artists, one in dance and the other in performance, will be selected to receive rehearsal space at the CEC, a stipend, plus production and promotion services for a three evening concert of their own work in the CEC's Meeting House Theatre. Artists will also be provided with a professional photography shoot and video documentation of their concert.

— There is one residency position for dance/dance multi-media. Dance residency positions are up to nine months, 150 hours of rehearsal time, with a $2,000 stipend;
— There is one residency position for performance art, performance poetry, multi-disciplinary performance- theater, visual art and/or movement (dance may be a component, but is not considered the primary discipline of the work). Performance residencies are up to four months, 100 hours of rehearsal time, with a $1,000 stipend.

You may apply in only one residency category and you must state which residency you are applying for.

New Edge Mix is designed to showcase emerging professional artists who have had only few performance opportunities in the past. Fifteen artists was awarded a stipend of $250, and will present completed works on three shared evenings in the CEC's 2005-2006 season running from October 2005 - May 2006. Artists will also be provided with a professional photographic shoot and video documentation of their performance.

Additionally, all New Edge awardees are eligible to take part in the CEC/New Dance Alliance Exchange. Participants will be selected to perform in New York as part of the New Dance Alliance Performance Mix series during the 2005-2006 season, and will also perform on the CEC side of the exchange, the New York Dance Exchange. Artists will receive additional stipends for the two performances.

Who should apply?

Emerging performance artists working in any discipline. Special consideration will be given to veteran performers working in new areas or in career transition. The CEC is especially interested in supporting artists working in adventurous or experimental ways, producing cutting edge, fringe, or less traditional work.

Eligibility

Applications for the New Edge Residency and the New Edge Mix will be accepted from performing artists who:

1) live and work in the Philadelphia region
2) work in performance disciplines/genres of dance, theater, music,performance art, performance poetry, multidisciplinary, and/or multi-media
3) are not full time students or university professors
4) are not directors of incorporated arts organizations
5) have not been awarded a New Edge Residency grant for the pervious two years (2003-04, 2004-05)
6) are at least 18 years of age

Criteria

Criteria for selection are artistic merit and need. The New Edge Residency and New Edge Mix submissions are juried by separate panels comprised of regional professional artists, CEC board members, and community residents.