Dance Worker Digest | January 2025
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Dance Worker Digest | January 2025
Dance Worker Digest
January 2025
Welcome to the first Dance Worker Digest of 2025! This month’s edition highlights critical resources and opportunities for our community. Learn how to support those affected by the devastating LA fires and explore resources from Lawyers Alliance for New York to help nonprofits prepare for upcoming federal policy changes. We also spotlight DCLA’s new pilot program to preserve and expand the city’s creative spaces, and NIVA’s recently launched survey on the independent live entertainment sector.
Resources to Support Communities Impacted by LA Fires
As communities across the Los Angeles area seek to recover and rebuild after devastating fires, we must do what we can to support our friends, families, and colleagues in California. Here is a list of resources and mutual aid efforts.
• Support mutual aid efforts for LA fires
• Check out Entertainment Community Fund’s California Wildfire Resources Guide
• Explore Hyperallergic’s Resource List for Artists Impacted by Fires
• Learn more about the arts, disaster preparedness and response
Lawyers Alliance Releases Resources for Nonprofits to Prepare for New Federal Government Policies
In preparation for changes in the federal government with the incoming administration, Lawyers Alliance for New York has put out two new resources for nonprofits. The first is a legal alert with actions that nonprofits can take to safeguard federal compliance in preparation of two possible shifts:
• the potential of increased IRS oversight over nonprofits
• prospective changes to how data collected by federal funders is accessed
The second is guidance around immigration enforcement. It includes a sample protocol for interactions with immigration agencies and guidance around client confidentiality and other measures.
As we move forward, it is important that nonprofits be proactive about safeguarding our community members. Taking legal precautions equips us with the foundation to act boldly.
• Review the 2025 Federal Compliance Legal Alert
• Review Guidance to Nonprofits Regarding Immigration Enforcement
Photo by Christopher Duggan
The Department of Cultural Affairs Launches NYC Create in Place Pilot Program
Recently, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs launched its new pilot program, NYC Create in Place. The program seeks to preserve and expand the city’s creative spaces, including cultural organizations and creative businesses. It includes:
• A centralized resource hub for assistance with space needs
• One-on-one casework and support
• A network to match organizations seeking space with those who have space to rent
• An interagency task force
In our State of NYC Dance 2023 Report, both dance entities and individual dance workers named space as one of their top five needs. The Create in Place pilot program represents a crucial move to protect cultural placemaking across the city.
• Visit the Create in Place web portal
• Explore the Create in Place Resource Hub
• Check out City Limits coverage on Create in Place
Photo by Christopher Duggan
NIVA Launches “The State of Live” Venue Survey
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has launched "The State of Live" survey—the first national economic research study of independent live entertainment venues, promoters, performing arts centers, and festivals. This study will quantify the cultural and economic value of our sector while addressing the challenges we face. By participating, you’ll help shape policies and funding initiatives that secure the future of live entertainment.
It is crucial that dance is represented in the survey results. If you own, operate, or staff a venue, festival, or performing arts center, you are eligible to participate. The survey is open until February 18 and should take approximately 35 minutes to complete.
• Take NIVA's The State of Live venue survey
• Review The State of Live survey preparation checklist
Resources on Executive Orders Affecting Nonprofits
Over the past week, President Trump signed a series of executive orders that threaten the safety and rights of our communities. Though many of these orders are being challenged in court or have limited enforcement power, they represent harmful federal priorities and racist ideologies that we must be prepared to respond to.
The National Council on Nonprofits recently released a resource summarizing the executive orders. This document will be continually updated and outlines executive orders on: diversity, equity, and inclusion; federal government; immigration; LGBTQ+; environment; census and community engagement; and more. It breaks down the changes, the impact on nonprofits, and any related or legal actions that the order is undergoing.
• Browse the National Council on Nonprofits’ summary of the executive orders
• Review a summary of the orders’ impact on immigrants
• Scan resources for LGBTQ+ people in response to the executive orders
AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File
NOTE: In light of recent events around the federal funding freeze, we will be following up in a separate communication with more details and actions you can take.