Merde Project 2023 Application

Applications open Aug, 1st and close Aug, 15th 11:59pm

Merde Project was launched in 2019 in San Francisco by contemporary dance company, Kristin Damrow & Company, and design company, YIKES! Oakland. We wanted to create a commissioning platform that supports choreographers who want to take a risk and just need that extra push to get a new idea out there. This year we are seeking five choreographers who want to develop their next idea into performance to be presented on November 17 & 18th, 2023 at the Joe Goode Annex. So tell us your idea and Merde Project will help make it happen!

Merde Project provides:

  • $1,000 stipend for each selected Artist

  • Letter of Agreement to break down all responsibilities and timeline

  • Coverage of production costs: performance space, tech crew, house crew, lighting

  • Marketing design and promotion support

  • Feedback showing prior to performance with selected Artists.


Artist provides:

  • ~10-15 min dance piece

  • Hiring collaborators 

  • Sourcing rehearsal space and time 

  • Promotional materials for design (images, videos)

  • Sharing marketing materials to friends and fans!


To be eligible: 

  • Artists and their collaborators must be available for both performance nights: November 17 & 18th, 2023 at the Joe Goode Annex in San Francisco

  • Artists are required to have to have directed or choreographed a live presented dance work within in the past two years. 

  • We welcome artists from outside of the San Francisco/Bay Area. While we are unable to cover travel stipends at this time, we are have a goal to support that in the future.


Artists will be selected by a panel of past Merde Project artists. 

Application opens August 1, 2023 and close August 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST. Awardees will be notified no later than August 31, 2023.

Reach out to info@merdeproject.com with any questions or comments!   

Merde!