DAM Open Call - Dance on the Plaza

Call for Dancers: Overview

The Denver Art Museum (DAM) is planning a summer full of dance-related exhibitions and programming in 2016. To showcase Denver’s vast and diverse dance community we are creating a Plaza-wide dance spectacular on the First Free Saturdays in July and August. We are looking for professional individuals and/or representatives from dance companies to share a ten minute sample of their craft. Four stages will be set up in different locations across the Plaza using public works of art as their backdrop and/or reference (see photos below).

Performances will happen in timed intervals starting at 1pm. Stages of 12’x12’ will be provided, as will a basic sound system for each area. 12’x12’ isn’t big, so please plan your choreography and the number of dancers accordingly. We imagine that most stages will feature a single dancer. Previously created choreography is welcome. There will not be a selection process, but space will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. The DAM will provide a basic speaker system that can play music from personal devices such as an iPod or smart phone. Performers are welcome to bring alternative musical options (i.e. using drums etc.); however special music arrangements must be made by each participant.

Martin Plaza is part of a larger civic center complex, serving as a gathering space and thoroughfare for area residents, businesses, the Denver Public Library and connecting to Civic Center Park. Through its annual summer Plaza program the DAM activates this community space with art installations and special programming.

Selected participants will receive an honorarium for their participation. In addition, participants will be listed in related DAM press materials and on the museum’s Plaza programming page.

Submission Process
To respond to this call, please submit the following information electronically to Lindsey Truswell, ltruswell@denverartmuseum.org by 5pm on Friday, March 11, 2016:

•   Name of applicant and/or dance studio

•   Website

•   Email

•   Phone Number

•   SCFD Funded? Y or N and if yes, which county.

•   Style of dance

•   Will you need audio? The DAM can provide a basic speaker system for each stage. Participants

  should plan to bring their own music on their own personal device such as an iPod, iPhone, other smart

  phone, etc. Please note here if you will need access to a CD player.

•   Selected Performance Date: July 2 or August 6, 2016

•   Stage preference (please rank in order from most preferred to least, and we will try to accommodate

  your request)

The plaza installation is generously funded by the P B and K Family Foundation.

Stage Options
** All stages will be 12’x12’ and elevated 16” off the ground

Stage 1: Calf & Cow
Calf and Cow are larger than life sculptures by Dan Ostermiller of a Scottish Angus cow and her calf. This stage is located near the corner of 12th Ave. and Acoma St. The area surrounding the sculptures is grassy.

Location on Martin Plaza outside of Studio doors

Design inspiration

Stage 2: Ribbon Installation
The Ribbon installation will be located on Martin Plaza. The design is currently in the works, but it will be an immersive environment with ribbons hanging from the top of the structure to the ground. The stage will be near the installation.

Stage 3: Denver Monoliths
The Denver Monoliths by Beverly Pepper are located on Martin Plaza near the main entrance to the DAM. There is a pedestrian walkway located in front of the Monoliths, so the stage will be set on the opposite side of the walkway in the grassy area.

Stage area for Monoliths

Stage 4: Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu is a public art piece by Mark di Suvero. The stage is located off of 13th Ave. on Acoma Plaza between Palettes Restaurant and the Denver Public Library.