Please Consider
Donating to CDHP
Through our archival work, Chicago Dance History Project investigates, documents, preserves, and promotes the histories and stories of the wider Chicago Dance Community. We seek to uncover those dance forms, individuals or neighborhoods whose contributions have been forgotten, marginalized, or set aside.
In this time of erasure, deletion, and distortion of history, capturing and preserving the narratives of countless artists, performers, administrators, and venues who’ve shaped the cultural and economic health of the greater Chicagoland area is more critical than ever.
CDHP strives to bring voice to “archival silences.”
The work we do, however, is labor intensive. Whether recording oral histories, creating materials for audience engagement, or working with community members to plan for celebration of significant milestones, these efforts consume hours and hours of staff time. In fact, labor costs for staff and contractors comprise more than 80% of our annual operating budget.
CDHP provides its services 100% free of charge, and with little to no earned revenue, we rely on support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and governmental sources.
So, how can you help?
Contributions to the following funds support staff salaries and related operational costs.
Southside/Westside Fund
Makes possible essential archival projects for dance artists/educators with specific and long-standing ties to these neighborhoods, and which ultimately result in thorough preservation of community histories in the Newberry Library’s Midwest Dance Collection.
Collections Fund
Supports the workflows necessary to conduct oral history recordings and migrate them to the Newberry for worldwide access. The fund also underwrites audience engagement planning and execution, design and printing, upgrading of equipment, ongoing operation of the Preservation Station, and myriad other administrative expenses that support every aspect of archival preservation.
Thank you for your consideration!
Please mail checks to
Chicago Dance History Project
53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1453, Chicago, IL 60604