Acosta Dance Foundation Residency Programmes 2025

Digital Project

Introducing the ADF Digital Project Residency Programmes

The Acosta Dance Foundation is excited to announce a groundbreaking new residency programme focused on digital dance creation and international collaboration. Launching in September 2024, the ADF Digital Creation Residency Programme offers UK and international artists an innovative platform to explore and expand their creative practice in the digital realm.

These residencies (x2) are designed to support emerging choreographers as they navigate their creative investigation process, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to develop and produce new digital choreographic works. In partnership with Carlos Acosta, Acosta Danza, Acosta Danza Yunior and/or the Acosta Advanced Training Hub, these programmes emphasize the potential of digital dance in shaping the future of the art form and enhancing the Foundation’s digital portfolio.

Programme Vision

Our goal is to foster a mutually supportive relationship between artists and the ADF/ADC, nurturing creativity across all areas of curiosity—particularly those from underrepresented and vulnerable communities. We aim to champion work that challenges the status quo, engages with bold ideas, and responds to the interests of the surrounding community.

The Acosta Dance Centre, located at Woolwich Works in London, serves as a creative hub, offering a space where digital dance creations can connect with both national and global audiences. We welcome applications from artists of all backgrounds and nationalities who are eager to bring fresh discussions, themes, and perspectives to the choreographic landscape.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking forward-thinking creators—choreographers, digital dance innovators, and artistic activists—who are open to experimenting with new ideas, technologies, and formats to push the boundaries of dance. This residency is an opportunity to engage in a vibrant, creative research environment that explores new ways to present, interpret, and experience dance.

Programme Structure

The ADF Residency Programme is divided into two parts:

1. Fully Funded Residencies: Fully supported by the Acosta Dance Foundation for up to 2 weeks in 2025.
2. Partly Funded Residencies: Partially supported (25% funded) by the Foundation, with participants responsible for self-funding up to 75% of the costs through ACE funding or other methods.

Residency Opportunities and Application Process

• Fully Funded Residencies: Offered through open-call application process, or direct invitation from Carlos Acosta.
• Partly Funded Residencies: Available only via the open-call application process.

Selected Candidates will be asked to provide a fully costed budget (guidance provided by ADF). All submissions are reviewed by the Foundation’s Artist Advisory Group, selected by Carlos Acosta, to reflect diverse voices, identities, and dance disciplines.

What We Provide

• Studio space (Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm)
• Fair pay for artist fees and collaborators (up to 4 collaborators; fully funded residencies only)
• Travel and accommodation costs
• Digital creator (video and images)
• Mentorship from Carlos Acosta (subject to availability)
• Access to studio sound equipment and free WiFi provided by Woolwich Works
• Opportunities for collaboration with Acosta Danza, Acosta Danza Yunior and/or Acosta Advanced Training Hub artists/students (schedule permitting).
• Access to shared facilities, including changing rooms, showers, and a green room

Commitment to Equality and Diversity

The ADF is dedicated to supporting artists from all backgrounds, especially those facing marginalization or systemic injustices. We are committed to providing a residency specifically for an artist who identifies as deaf or disabled and encourage applications from underrepresented communities.

Join us in redefining dance through digital innovation and creative exploration. Apply now and help us shape the future of dance!

Before starting the application process for the ADFRP, please ensure that you have the following information and materials ready:

1-Audition video with a work sample. 

-The footage should be of clear viewing quality.

This is not a digital competition, so please save your time and avoid media-enhanced, highly edited, or promotional-type videos.

-Accepted file types for upload: MP4, M4V, AVI, FLV, MOV, WMV, MPG, MPEG, M2V, MKV, and WEBM.

-The video should include a verbal self-introduction within a maximum of 2 minutes, where you introduce yourself and share the following:

•What interests you about digital work?

•Your choreographic strengths and areas for improvement.

•How do you envision the ADFRP digital project impacting your digital/choreographic/movement work?

•Digital projects you envision.

-Work Sample information:

-This should be the piece that you feel best represents you currently.

-Share the complete work without any excerpts.

-Provide the title, credits, and details of when and where it was performed.

-The footage can be from a studio, performance, site-specific location, Zoom, or any other venue.

-This work should be no more than three years old.

-The duration should not exceed 10 minutes.

2-Written Statement:

We know you’re full of fantastic ideas, so we’re excited to hear your ideas for the ADFRP. But don’t worry; we won’t ask you for a boring, super-detailed proposal just yet. We want you to unleash your imagination and give us a glimpse of your digital brilliance.

-In 250 words or less, share with us your wildest, most out-of-the-box idea for your digital inquiry during the Fellowship. We encourage you to focus on the essence of your idea rather than the nitty-gritty details like music, costumes, and all that jazz (pun intended!).To get you started, finish this statement: “I’m ready to shake up the dance world like never before! As a digital creator, I’ve always dreamed of exploring…”

Remember, we’re looking for that spark of creativity that sets you apart, so let your imagination run wild and have a blast with it! And don’t worry; we promise not to judge you if your idea involves dancing penguins or a flash mob in outer space. We’re here to celebrate your unique vision and ensure your choreographic dreams come true! Also, remember this is not an English grammar test.

3-Headshot.

4-Résumé/C.V.

5-Support Material (OPTIONAL)

-Selected samples of programmes, reviews, and/or articles about your work, all compiled into a single PDF document.