The Minnesota Dance Task Force (MNDTF) emerged from the momentum generated during several community gatherings convened following the announced closure of the Cowles Center for Dance in February 2024. Led by the Minnesota Dance Community (MNDC), two of the meetings were supported by the Minneapolis Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, with participation from Minneapolis City Council members, Mayor Jacob Frey, and staff from local foundations. Additional meetings were organized by the MN Arts Coalition (MNAC) to advocate for inclusion and equity in meetings/gatherings moving forward.
Officially launched in July 2024, the MNDTF holds bi-weekly meetings open to all community members.
Focus and Intent
MNDTF is focused on generating a framework and implementation steps for the creation of a service organization to support Minnesota dance artists and intentionally move toward an equitable dance ecosystem.
Core Values and Principles
- Support: Provide the local dance community with a trustworthy, accessible, and equitable support ecosystem.
- Advocacy: Advocate for and encourage the growth of dance, of a variety of genres, throughout MN. This includes uplifting the voices, ideas, and experiences of youth, underrepresented communities (like LGBTQIA2S+, disabled persons, BIPOC, low-income individuals, and others), underrepresented traditional and cultural dance genres, smaller organizations, companies, and leaders currently doing the work.
- Transparency and Inclusion: All efforts are committed to openness and inclusivity, ensuring that every voice in the community is heard.
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