2024 Dance Exchange OAC Climate Institute

Institute Dates: July 25-28, 2024

Registration Opens March 20, 2024
Registration Deadline: May 31, 2024

Dance Exchange’s 2024 OAC Climate Institute will focus on the role of artmaking and creative engagement within the climate movement. Join movers, makers, artists, and leaders from across the country to explore, energize, and advance creative solutions for a life-giving future in the face of the climate crisis.  As part of our Organizing with Artists for Change Initiative (OAC), the 2024 OAC Climate Institute will celebrate process and performance, dialogue and dancemaking, and the role of artists as changemakers. 

No matter where you are on your creative or climate journey, the Institute will create a range of opportunities for you to: 

  • Experience and help develop new tools and strategies for creative engagement around climate issues that you can take into your own work and communities

  • Build connections with others working at the intersection of artmaking and climate locally, nationally, and internationally

  • Deepen your understanding of what you have to offer to our shared work of shaping a just and life-giving future in the face of the climate crisis

The 2024 OAC Climate Institute will include: 

  • Morning movement classes that ground us in our bodies and the community.

  • Workshops that explore creative tools and practices for supporting climate education, building community across generations, cultural experiences, and disciplines, and engaging with existing and emerging climate solutions in creative, embodied ways.  

  • Reflection sessions that support you in integrating your explorations and discoveries and creating a vision for how you’ll carry your experience forward into your own life, work, and community. 

Application Process

In an effort to gather a community of artists, climate workers, and community members diverse in lived experience, geographic location, expertise/discipline, and experience within the climate movement, we are requiring applications for this year's Institute. 

Upon acceptance, participants will receive a form to submit their tuition payments and provide additional information about access needs and emergency contact information. Participants will also receive more information about the Institute, including recommendations for travel and housing, what to pack, and resources to explore in advance.

Video Application Option: In lieu of a written application, individuals may send a video application that addresses all questions in the application below. The video application option is intended to make our application process more accessible to a wider range of applicants, including those who may struggle with written communication due to language barriers or disabilities. Please see the application form for more information on submitting a video application.

Schedule

Schedule subject to change.

Thursday

6:00 - 8:00pm: Institute Kick Off and Orientation

Friday

10:00 - 10:45am: Morning Movement Class

10:45 - 11:00am: Break

11:00am - 1:00pm: Creative Tools and Practices Workshop

1:00 - 2:30pm: Lunch

2:30 - 4:30pm: Creative Tools and Practices Workshop

4:30 - 5:00pm: Break

5:00 - 6:00pm: Creative Sharing

Saturday

10:00 - 10:45am: Morning Movement Class

10:45 - 11:00am: Break

11:00am - 12:30pm: Creative Tools and Practices Workshop

12:30 - 2:00pm: Lunch

2:00 - 4:00pm: Creative Tools and Practices Workshop

4:00-4:30pm: Break

4:30-6:00pm: Evening Gathering

Sunday

10:00 - 10:45am: Morning Movement Class

10:45 - 11:00am: Break

11:00am - 1:00pm: Critical Response Process and Climate Compass

1:00 - 2:30pm: Lunch

2:30 - 4:30pm: Closing Session

Tuition: $500

Tuition does not cover travel, housing, or meals during the Institute.

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available. Please indicate in your application that you would like to be considered for a scholarship.

Work Exchange: Dance Exchange is excited to offer two Work Exchange opportunities during this year's Climate Institute. The Communications Work Exchange will involve offering remote support with various marketing and communications tasks leading up to, during, and immediately after the 2024 OAC Climate Institute. This role will also include documentation of the Institute and an opportunity to work closely with the Dance Exchange Communications and Facilitation team in professional development and skill-building. The Production Work Exchange will involve offering on-the-ground support with various Institute setup, tear down, check-in and registration, equipment and materials, and other tasks in relation to the producing of the Climate Institute itself. This role is a great professional development opportunity to work closely with Dance Exchange’s Creative Producer and gain skills in the production of creative community engagements.

The two individuals who fulfill these Work Exchange positions will receive full tuition coverage in exchange for their support. More details provided upon onboarding. Please indicate in your application that you would like to be considered for Work Exchange.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend after paying in full, your payment can be credited to a future Organizing with Artists for Change Institute within one calendar year. Please email registration@danceexchange.org.

COVID Requirements and Protocols

Dance Exchange follows the Maryland Department of Health and Montgomery County’s guidance for safety policies and procedures. Routine prevention strategies are implemented to decrease the risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory illness transmissions. As such, the following rules and regulations are in effect for FY24 at the Dance Exchange Community & Creative Hub:

If you are sick, stay home.

  • All renters and guests entering the building must be in good health with:

    • Temperatures below 100.4 degree Fahrenheit

    • No symptoms of illness including coughing, sneezing, or fatigue

    • No one in their household is currently ill

  • All renters and guests must not have tested positive for COVID-19 for the past 5 days.

Face coverings are encouraged in common areas.

  • Masks are encouraged for everyone over 2 years of age, at all times, in common areas, lobbies, and in restrooms.

  • Dance Exchange provides face coverings which are located in baskets within each studio.

  • A face covering is fitted properly when it covers your nose, mouth, and chin. It includes cloth face coverings, scarves, and bandanas. It does not include face coverings with a valve, or solely wearing a face shield.

Socially distance whenever possible.

  • Social distancing in the hallways, lobby, and restrooms is encouraged. Social distance means to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and someone else to prevent the spread of airborne illness.

Accessibility at the Institute

Dance Exchange aims to make our programming as accessible as possible. We are available to be in conversation around any access needs you may have, and how we can make it possible for you to participate in meaningful ways. Please reach out to us at registration@danceexchange.org or (301) 270-6700.

Questions?

Contact registration@danceexchange.org or (301) 270-6700 x5 with questions or for registration assistance. We look forward to gathering, moving, and making with you this summer.