<A HREF="http://www.canadacouncil.ca" TARGET=_blank>Canada Council </A>Press Release, 01/10/01: <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><B>The Canada Council for the Arts "Flying Squad" - A pilot program for dance organizational development</B><P>The Dance Section of the Canada Council for the Arts is pleased to announce the introduction of a pilot program to support organizational development in the not-for-profit professional dance community.<P>Originally introduced in the Theatre Section in 1998 and known as the "Flying Squad," this initiative is a direct descendant of a similar activity run by the Council in the late 1970s and early 1980s which provided hands-on assistance to professional arts organizations. The Dance Section Pilot Program will be run in partnership with the Theatre Section's Program.<P>The pilot program will provide opportunities for:<P>dance organizations to have access to professional training and/or consultation with experts; <P>new and emerging artistic directors and company administrators to carry out mentorships with established senior companies to gain experience and knowledge; <P>specific training initiatives tailored to the needs of a specific region or sectorial group of dance organizations, companies, or managers.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><a href="http://www.canadacouncil.ca/news/pressreleases/co0101-e.asp" target="blank">more...</a><BR>

<BR>Jose Navas/Compagnie Flak <P>The Canada Council has just revamped their "Grants to Dance Professionals" program. This program provides support to <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>-emerging and mid-career dance professionals;<P>-established dance professionals;<P>-collectives and non-profit dance companies;<P>-Aboriginal dance professionals, collectives and non-profit dance companies.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>One of the very encouraging aspects is that they have made it easier for emerging artists to apply by reducing the number of professional engagements required in order to qualify. They have also changed the structure so that artists may apply on a regional level or on a national level as "established dance professionals" (artists who have 15 years or more in dance). It's nice to see this program undergo positive changes. To read more about it: <A HREF="http://www.canadacouncil.ca/grants/dance/dash01-e.asp" TARGET=_blank><B>Grants to Dance Professionals</B></A><BR><p>[This message has been edited by Marie (edited January 31, 2001).]