How should a successful national funding program be modified to respond to a rapidly evolving landscape in the field?
The National Dance Project, established and operated by the New England Foundation for the Arts, is a significant national program supporting the commissioning and touring of new dance works, international exchange, extended partnerships between choreographers and universities and regional dance development initiatives. The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has supported the program for more than 10 years. As part of its due diligence prior to considering a funding renewal, the Foundation asked Helicon to assess the NDP and consider whether changes are needed to sustain its strategic impact.
Helicon surveyed more than 100 dance artists and presenters on their experiences with NDP and their current and prospective needs; reviewed recent research in this field; and interviewed diverse choreographers, presenters, funders and other field leaders. After synthesizing the findings into a set of key observations and recommendations, Helicon then worked with the Foundation and NEFA to outline the implications for program re-design. This work helped clarify the strategic issues for the Foundation; and NEFA and its team of program advisors are using the assessment report in their planning and program development.