2027 Louise Bentall Biennial Award Application Open November 16
/ORGANIZATION: DanceHouse
DEADLINE: January 31, 2027
WEBSITE: https://dancehouse.ca/community/louise-bentall-award/
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
Emerging choreographers across British Columbia are invited to apply for the 2027 Louise Bentall Biennial Award, presented by the Hawthorne Foundation and DanceHouse. The award provides $12,500 to support the research, development, or production of new work, with an additional $7,500 awarded to a runner-up.
Now in its third iteration, the Louise Bentall Award supports emerging BC choreographers, providing financial support to advance their artistic practices and bring new work to life. The award is juried by a diverse panel of arts professionals and made possible through ongoing funding from the Hawthorne Foundation.
Established in memory of Louise Bentall, who passed away in 2017, the award honours her enduring contributions to DanceHouse and the broader performing arts community. A long-serving DanceHouse board member, Louise dedicated much of her life to supporting dance, theatre, social justice, and charitable initiatives throughout the Lower Mainland. Compassionate, intelligent, and feisty with a keen attention to detail, she gave back to the community with both her actions and words, and this Award honours her memory by advancing support for Vancouver's dance community.
Individual emerging choreographers working in all styles of dance, including multidisciplinary projects, are encouraged to apply by January 31, 2027. There is no upper age restriction on applicants, but choreographers residing in BC who have completed pre-professional training and enjoyed at least one public performance of their work are the intended recipients. Students are not eligible to apply to fund further studies or training. Companies, collectives, and organizations are not eligible.
Applicants must submit a project description, CV, two letters of support, project budget, and up to two video links relevant to their proposal. Applications will be evaluated based on the strength of the proposal and the artist's vision and potential.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications open November 16, 2026 and close January 31, 2027. Applicants will find the application form link available at dancehouse.ca/community/louise-bentall-award/beginning November 16, 2026.
FEES/COMPENSATION:
There are no fees to apply or exhibit.
