Organizer Information
The Ellis-Beauregard Foundation provides essential resources for artists while honoring the legacy of founding artists Joan Beauregard and John David Ellis. The Foundation’s vision is to sustain courageous dialogue and support movement-based art that transcends cultures and reveals shared human experiences. This award is part of a larger effort to bolster the field of dance, incubate new ideas, and bring high-level contemporary movement to the state of Maine.
Title & Description
The Ellis-Beauregard Choreographer Award 2026.
This prestigious national funding opportunity offers $50,000 to a contemporary choreographer residing in the United States. The award uniquely combines a substantial cash prize with a structured presentation context in partnership with Portland Ovations through its Raising the Barre initiative. The recipient is invited to stage an evening of work in Maine, which can include either existing repertoire or new creations tailored to the artist's current practice.
Categories
Contemporary Choreography, Dance, Performance, and Movement-based Art.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
- Visa Status: Individuals on temporary visas (H-1B, O-1, F-1, J-1, etc.) are ineligible.
- Career Stage: Open to artists at any stage of their career who are at least 18 years old.
- Student Status: Applicants currently enrolled or enrolling in degree-granting programs are ineligible.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Financial Award: A total of $50,000. The artist retains all funds remaining after project expenses.
- Presentation Support: Partnership with Portland Ovations, including production management and audience-facing elements.
- Technical Facilities: Technical support and infrastructure for the performance.
- Logistics: Lodging during the presentation period and local transportation in Maine are provided.
- Promotion: Professional marketing and promotion for the event.
- Campus Interface: A mini-performance or community event at the Foundation’s FLEX space within a year of receipt.
Fees
- Application Fee: No fee mentioned, but a 300 submission cap is enforced.
Application Requirements
- Submissions are accepted via the Submittable platform.
- Applications must demonstrate the ability to stage an evening of work using the provided funds.
- Recipients are responsible for all artist fees, travel to/from Maine, and production elements (performers, collaborators, and materials).
How to Apply?
Eligible choreographers can submit their proposals through the official Submittable page beginning May 1, 2026. Apply for the Choreographer Award.
Key Dates
- Application Opens: May 1, 2026.
- Deadline: June 1, 2026, or when the 300 submission cap is reached (whichever comes first).
- Presentation Window: Within one year of the award receipt.
Location
United States (Residency) / Maine (Presentation Venue).
Additional Details
The 2026 jury includes Jeremy Nedd (2025 Awardee), Meredeth Sutton (Columbia College Chicago), Shoni Currier (Bates Dance Festival), and Vallejo Gantner (PS21). Questions should be directed to Donna McNeil at donna@ellisbeauregardfoundation.org.