The International Museum of Dance (IMOD) requests California Arts Council funding to expand its dance education programs serving public school students across California. Grant funds will support culturally relevant in-school residencies, community-based youth development, educator professional development, and field trips to IMOD’s interactive museum space. Centering BIPOC dance forms, the project fosters cultural identity, creativity, and belonging while addressing reduced access to arts education due to budget cuts. Building on successful partnerships with San Francisco and Berkeley Unified School Districts, IMOD will expand programming to Los Angeles and Oakland Unified. Funds will increase the frequency and duration of residencies, provide training for educators in arts integration, and create opportunities for students to engage with professional dance and cultural programming. This project advances equity and healing by empowering youth and educators through inclusive, trauma-informed dance education.
Our core programs and services include:
Education Partnerships: Collaborating with local and national schools, we provide comprehensive dance education programs for students of all ages, including movement, technique, choreography, performance, and dance history. We also offer civic engagement projects and paid internships, fostering a deep connection between dance and community.
Artist Partnerships: Working closely with local and national dance artists, we offer support, resources, and space for their presentations, performances, lectures, and teaching work. By nurturing these partnerships, we contribute to the growth and visibility of dance artists.
Archive Partnerships: We collaborate with local and international dance archives, shining a spotlight on hidden dance archives and assisting in the interpretation and understanding of their significance. By showcasing these archives, we contribute to the broader appreciation and preservation of dance history.
Exhibition Planning and Preparation: Engaging with students, local artists, national and international historians, and archivists, we design and create dynamic “Pop-Up” exhibitions that explore the connections between dance and communities. These exhibitions foster a sense of community engagement and connection.
At the Museum of Dance, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and enriching environment that celebrates the art of dance and its profound impact on our lives.

