DANCERS ABOVE WATER RELIEF FUND
PROBLEM: Over $110M in Lost Income
According to Americans for the Arts survey, as of November 2020
RESPONSE: #dancersabovewater
During the Covid-19 global pandemic, performing artists have lost both primary and secondary forms of income, most with no financial safety net. In New York City alone, performing arts organizations have reported over $110M in lost income and laid off thousands of workers. Join Barkin/Selissen Project in helping dancers who are struggling right now. Please consider contributing to this fund to provide support for NYC area-based contemporary dancers and choreographers in need.
Since the pandemic outbreak, B/S P has been able to disburse financial support to over fifty dance artists in the NYC-metropolitan area through the first two rounds of the Dancers Above Water Fund. Donate today to help keep even more artists afloat!
The Application Portal for the 3rd round of relief is now CLOSED. Thank you for your interest in Dancers Above Water
HOW TO APPLY FOR ARTIST RELIEF FUNDS
Who is eligible?
Professional Status
Professional* Dancer or Choreographer, prioritizing those working in the Contemporary/Modern performance industry
*Professional is defined as receiving a portion of essential income in exchange for dance or choreography services
Must demonstrate proof of professional dance work in NYC since 2019
Must be legally allowed to work in the US (no citizenship requirement)
Financial Status
Currently unemployed or partially employed and ineligible for ample benefits* from any employer or other sufficient support system
*Ample benefits & sufficient support system defined as: receiving little to no support from any source, previous employer, family, or other relief fund.Receiving some assistance and/or unemployment is ok given the amount is not enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle and residence in NYC.
Must have little to no liquid assets that would sustain you in your current status for the next 12 months
Must be able to provide Tax ID or Social Security Number
Must be able to provide a bank account & routing number or information for digital deposit
Other
NYC resident, or commuters from the New York metropolitan area
Anyone who has already received support from Dancers Above Water may reapply, but may only receive financial support a maximum of two times. If you are selected twice, you may not reapply again.
Applicants are INELIGIBLE if
You are a dancer/choreographer that did not lose dance-related work as a result of COVID-19 illness and/or implemented social measures
Are based outside of the New York City metropolitan area or the states of New Jersey and Connecticut
Are receiving sufficient income or financial support that renders financial status relatively un-impacted by COVID-19
You are applying on behalf of a collective
How much will I receive?
The Dancers Above Water Relief Fund may provide financial support of $500 to a dance professional in need and/or Goods & Services contributed and available.
How will recipients be chosen?
Once an application is submitted, it will be entered into a randomized lottery system and, if selected in the lottery, will be reviewed.
When will I hear?
We will be contacting applicants on a rolling basis. If you are not chosen for the first lottery selection, your application will NOT be rolled into the next selection period. You must reapply each round. For updates on timeline and specifics, please subscribe to our email list.
Please Note: If you are seemingly ineligible, and in time-sensitive dire need, please contact us directly regarding special exceptions for consideration on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about your eligibility, the application process or our document retention policies, please contact us at dancersabovewater@barkinselissenproject.org
What is the Partner Support System?
The Partner Support System provides Recipients with additional assistance throughout the support cycle. Each Recipient in the Partner Support System will be assigned a Partner (a member of the Dancers Above Water or B/S P organizations) who will offer support and guidance through the cycle, and help connect them with resources as needed. The Program includes an introductory and wrap-up “check-in” meeting at the beginning and end of the cycle in order to learn and exchange valuable information, and partners may also interact throughout, according to individual needs. The Partner Support System is meant to round out the support that we give, as we recognize that help in many areas outside of financial support is another strong need right now. If you would like to be considered for this program, in addition to financial assistance, please check the correlating box on your application before submitting!
Our Story
The Dancers Above Water Relief Fund was created to keep dancers and choreographers here and healthy by providing financial and alternative assistance to those suffering losses due to COVID-19. Since March 2020, Barkin/Selissen Project has pivoted to this cause and is grateful for the community’s enthusiasm in supporting over 50 individuals so far, and more in 2021.
Guiding Principles
Supporting dancers and choreographers who, due to COVID-19, are not finding ample support elsewhere right now
Prioritizing fairness, various forms of support, and on-going relationships/coalitions
Ease and flexibility for applicants and recipients to apply and/or comply
Transparency, accountability, and collaborative approach, a Governance/Oversight Committee that reflects and represents the community we serve
Keeping the vital dance community active and healthy in NYC, to be able to stay and thrive beyond this crisis
Being a community-driven platform; one by, for and about the dance community that we are trying to support
Read the Cycle 1 Final Report Here
As seen during the 2020 NY Dance and Performance Awards "The Bessies" Virtual Ceremony
