Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT) has announced significant funding support from the Reva & David Logan Foundation and the Arts Work Fund to support institutional capacity building that will facilitate the first steps of a major initiative: creating a vision for a potential new center for African-American dance education and professional performances on Chicago’s South Side.
The Logan Foundation is providing $75,000 in general operating funds and two matching grants—$25,000 and $20,000—to offer incentives for new DRDT funders to support this capacity-building. The Arts Work Fund/Idea Lab program is providing $25,000 for each of the next two years to support the visioning process with current committed partners, including the Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF), and Studio One Dance Theater, and possible new partners in the future.
DRDT is also undergoing leadership changes. Executive/Artistic Director Kevin Iega Jeff is shifting his focus with DRDT to developing the necessary long-term initiatives and community relationships to cultivate the project.
Beginning in the 2019—20 season, Artistic Team member and Dance Education Director Nicole Clarke-Springer and Artistic Team member and Emerging Choreographers Showcase Producing/Artistic Director Joshua Ishmon, also a dancer with the company, will be co-artistic directors. Co-Founder/Associate Artistic Director Gary Abbott will take over artistic leadership for the 2020—21 season.
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