The Program
The D&M Emerging Artist Awards is a national initiative from the Daniel and Marcella Nutkis Charitable Foundation, created to identify, support and champion exceptional emerging choreographers across the United States.
Every Selected Artist receives
Mentorship · Creative development · Professional production support
$5,500 stipend for the week of participation in Dallas
Three will also receive unrestricted Artist Development Grants of
$30,000·$15,000·$10,000
Through mentorship, creative collaboration and professional production support, each artist develops and presents an original choreographic work as part of Through the Looking Glass, a spectacular immersive live production.
Applying is free. The Foundation will never ask applicants for payment at any stage of the application, selection or award process.
Award categories and grant values are subject to final Foundation approval.
2026 Focus
For its inaugural year, the Awards focus on choreographers and movement artists.
Shortlisted artists will respond to the Through the Looking Glass creative brief, with five finalists selected to develop and present an original choreographic work as part of the live immersive production, spanning choreography, movement direction, character performance and immersive theatrical experiences.
What Selected Artists Receive
Every finalist joins a professionally supported artist development program, designed to nurture original ideas from concept through to live performance.
Artist Development Grant
Each finalist receives a paid participation grant in recognition of their time and creative contribution throughout the program.
Travel & Accommodation
Travel to Dallas and accommodation throughout the rehearsal and event period are provided.
Mentorship
Work alongside an experienced Creative Team through structured mentorship, creative reviews and artistic development.
Production Support
Collaborate with professional production departments to realize your work within a large-scale immersive live production.
Professional Experience
Develop and present your choreography as part of Through the Looking Glass, working alongside professional dancers and creatives.
Profile & Visibility
Receive professional photography, filmed content, media opportunities and portfolio material to support your future career.
Beyond the program
The Emerging Artist Awards are intended to be the beginning of an ongoing relationship. Through continued connections, visibility and alumni opportunities, we hope to support each finalist beyond the live event as they continue to develop their creative practice.
Eligibility
The 2026 D&M Emerging Artist Awards are open to individual choreographers and movement artists who are at an emerging stage of their creative career.
To apply, you must confirm that:
- You are applying as an individual artist (not as a company, collective or group)
- You are based in the United States
- You will be 18 years of age or older by August 1, 2026
- Your practice is rooted in Performance, Choreography & Movement
What we mean by “emerging artist”
We define an emerging artist by career stage, creative potential and access to meaningful professional opportunities, not by age, formal education or the number of years you have been practicing.
You may already have professional credits, paid engagements, commissions, performances, awards or representation and still be eligible.
Artists who have already achieved sustained national or international recognition, or who have access to the level of opportunities and resources typically associated with an established career, may not be eligible.
If you are unsure whether this opportunity is right for you, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that creative careers develop in different ways, and we consider each artist’s journey individually.
The application asks you to confirm, having read the above, that you believe you meet the Foundation’s definition of an emerging artist.
How to Apply
Apply
Submit your application and portfolio. Applications open July 29 and close August 12, 2026.
Shortlist
Up to 30 artists are shortlisted and announced on August 19. Shortlisted artists receive a creative brief to develop an original choreography, with all parameters shared.
Choreography submission
Shortlisted artists submit their original choreography by August 24.
Selection
The five Selected Artists are announced on August 28. The multi-round review is expected to include application and portfolio review, the original choreography submission, interviews, and Advisory & Selection Committee review.
Development & event
Selected Artists receive mentorship and creative development through the October 31 event in Dallas - and continued support afterward.
The Awards are supported by an Advisory & Selection Committee representing dance, choreography, movement direction, immersive performance, live production and artist development. Additional committee details will be announced at a later date.
Applications close August 12, 2026
Key Dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| July 29, 2026 | Applications open · national open call |
| August 12, 2026 | Applications close |
| August 19, 2026 | Shortlist of up to 30 announced · choreography brief shared |
| August 24, 2026 | Choreography submissions due |
| August 28, 2026 | Five Selected Artists announced |
| October 31, 2026 | Through the Looking Glass - Dallas |
| After the event | Mentorship and creative development continue beyond the event |
The Event
Through the Looking Glass is the 2026 edition of the D&M Halloween Party, taking place October 31, 2026, at Fashion Industry Gallery (FIG) in Dallas. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it is an immersive world shaped by performance, scenic design, installation, music, hospitality and visual storytelling.
The event serves as the first public platform for the Awards, integrating the five Selected Artists into that world rather than staging their work beside it.
Note. The party itself is invitation-only. Applying to the D&M Emerging Artist Awards is open to all eligible artists nationwide.
The Foundation
The Daniel and Marcella Nutkis Charitable Foundation is committed to creating opportunities that enable individuals and communities to thrive through creativity, education and meaningful social impact. Through its philanthropic programs, the Foundation invests in initiatives that champion talent, expand opportunity and support the next generation of creative voices.
The D&M Emerging Artist Awards is one of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives, created to identify, develop and celebrate exceptional emerging choreographers from across the United States.
Marcella Raneri · Founder
As a dancer, choreographer and creative director, Marcella Raneri understands the transformative impact that mentorship, opportunity and professional support can have on an artist’s career. The Emerging Artist Awards reflect her commitment to creating meaningful pathways for emerging talent, giving artists the opportunity to develop their creative practice within a large-scale professional production.
Questions
Program commitment
Before applying, please ensure you can commit to the key stages of the program, including creative development throughout September and October, travel to Dallas for rehearsals and the live event, collaboration with the Creative Team, and participation in agreed media and promotional activity.
Selected Artists will be expected to participate in agreed photography, filming and promotional activity throughout the program.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying to the D&M Emerging Artist Awards is completely free. The Foundation will never ask applicants for payment at any stage of the application, selection or award process.
Who can apply?
The 2026 D&M Emerging Artist Awards are open to individual choreographers and movement artists who are at an emerging stage of their creative career. To apply, you must also confirm that you:
- Are applying as an individual artist (not as a company, collective or group)
- Are based in the United States and eligible to travel within the U.S.
- Will be 18 years of age or older by August 1, 2026
- Have a practice rooted in Performance, Choreography & Movement, in any style or genre
- Are available to participate in all stages of the program, including rehearsals and the live event in Dallas
Please refer to the Eligibility Criteria for full details.
What does “emerging” mean?
We define an emerging artist by career stage, creative potential and access to meaningful professional opportunities, not by age, formal education or the number of years you have been practicing. You may already have professional credits, paid engagements, commissions, performances, awards or representation and still be eligible. Artists who have already achieved sustained national or international recognition, or who have access to the level of opportunities and resources typically associated with an established career, may not be eligible.
The program is intended for artists who would benefit from mentorship, professional development and the opportunity to create work within a large-scale live production.
What do Selected Artists receive?
All five finalists receive:
- A paid Artist Development Grant
- Mentorship and creative development
- Professional production support
- Travel and accommodation in Dallas
- Professional photography, filmed content and media opportunities
- The opportunity to present an original choreographic work as part of Through the Looking Glass
What are the awards?
Following the live performance, three finalists will receive Artist Development Grants:
- Grand Artist Development Award - $30,000
- Artist Development Award - $15,000
- Emerging Vision Award - $10,000
The overall winner will also receive the D&M Emerging Artist Award, recognizing exceptional creativity, artistic vision and achievement throughout the program.
What will I be asked to create?
Shortlisted artists will receive the Through the Looking Glass creative brief and be invited to develop an original creative response, including a choreographic submission, creative concept and supporting materials. Five finalists will then develop their work through mentorship and creative collaboration before presenting it live as part of the final production.
How are artists selected?
Through a multi-round review expected to include application and portfolio review, an original choreography submission, interviews, and Advisory & Selection Committee review. We are interested not only in finished work, but in artists with the imagination and potential to grow through the program.
Do I have to attend the event?
Yes. Finalists must be available to travel to Dallas from 25 October to 1 November 2026 to participate in rehearsals, the live event and agreed program activities. Travel and accommodation will be provided.
When will I hear back?
Applications close on Wednesday 12 August 2026. Shortlisted artists will be notified on Wednesday 19 August 2026, with the five finalists announced on Friday 28 August 2026.
What is the Emerging Artist Scout Program?
The Scout Program enables individuals to recommend an emerging choreographer they believe should know about the Awards. If you know an exceptional artist who would benefit from this opportunity, we would love to hear from you. See the Scout Program page.
