


Photography credit: Marta Hewson (Priyanka Tope, 2022)
The BIPOC hArt Dance Series (BHDS) exists to support the professional ambitions of dance artists, and develop infrastructure for professional dance presentation within the city of Hamilton.
Featured dance and movement artists will create short 'dance films', to be screened at The Westdale, an independent film and cultural space.


Photography credit: Ayombami Tzu Macaulay (Indigenous drumming, singing and hoop dancing - Hamilton Arts Week, 2019)
What does a featured artist receive?
The BHDS features artists who identify as being Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour (racialized). This program was developed in recognition of the systemic barriers that exist, to opportunities for professional development and presentation, for artists from within these communities.
Photography credit: Ayombami Tzu Macaulay (Neema Choir performers - Hamilton Arts Week, 2019)



Who should apply?
The BHDS program is presented in partnership between Hamilton Arts Council & The Westdale.
This program is funded by the Incite Foundation for the Arts, and the Ontario Arts Council, with sponsorship from TD Bank, and in-kind services provided by The Westdale.





How do I apply?
Photography credit: Ayombami Tzu Macaulay (Indigenous drumming, singing and hoop dancing - Hamilton Arts Week, 2019)
Series Curator: Mayumi Lashbrook
Mayumi Lashbrook (she/her) is a Japanese Canadian settler who seeks to expose, challenge, and rectify systems of oppression by creating innovative, introspective and inclusive dance theatre. She sees embodiment as at the crux of world making, providing alternatives to unconscious thought, consumerism and oppression.
Her primary practices span performance, choreography, education and Artistic Direction. Mayumi is the Co-Artistic Director of Hamilton based Aeris Körper, a Co-Artistic Associate of CanAsian Dance and mentee of Denise Fujiwara of Fujiwara Dance Inventions. Mayumi’s different roles are all encompassing and overlapping. This enables her to approach projects and communities with openness, curiosity, excellence, and with deep satisfaction.

Mayumi Lashbrook - Photo-Credit: Lula Belle
How are the featured artists chosen?



For application support, email coordinator@hamiltonartscouncil.ca prior to the June 4th deadline.