A home for your creative practice
DIW opens its doors to independent artists and dance companies seeking dedicated space to create, rehearse, and grow. Subsidized residencies in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s 14th Street corridor.
- WhoArtists and companiesEmerging and established companies, choreographers and teaching artists
- CostSubsidizedRates significantly below market value
- WhenRolling inquiriesProject and studio residencies can begin at any time
- Where3400 14th St NWWashington, DC 20010
About the programMore than space. A creative home.
DIW’s residency program provides subsidized studio access, institutional support, and a professional home base for artists and dance companies aligned with our mission of equity, excellence, and community empowerment.
Residents become part of the DIW ecosystem: a network of choreographers, educators, performers, and industry leaders working together to strengthen D.C.’s cultural infrastructure. The program removes the financial barriers that too often stand between artists and their next body of work.
Every residency is structured around the artist’s needs. Whether you are developing new choreography, building a company from the ground up, or preparing for a touring season, DIW provides the resources, mentorship, and community to help you get there.
Infrastructure to focus on the work
Our residency program is designed to remove barriers and provide the infrastructure artists need to focus on what matters: the work.
Subsidized Studio Access
Recurring access to professional studios with sprung floors, mirrors, and sound systems at significantly reduced rates. Scheduling priority for resident companies.
Performance Opportunities
Access to the Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater for showcases, works-in-progress, and public performances.
Mentorship and Network
Direct connection to DIW’s network of choreographers, directors, and industry professionals. We connect residents with companies and leaders who open doors to paying gigs and advanced training.
Administrative Support
Assistance with grant applications, marketing, and promotional materials. DIW amplifies resident work through its communications channels and community networks.
Community and Belonging
Residency at DIW means joining a community of artists, students, and educators who share your values. Collaborative opportunities with DIW programs and visiting artists throughout the year.
Facility Access
Full access to DIW’s 14th Street facility, including changing rooms, kitchen, lobby, and common areas. A professional home base for your creative practice in the heart of D.C.
Artists and companies at every stage
Our residency program serves a wide range of creative practitioners who share our commitment to artistic excellence and community impact.
New and growing companies that need affordable, professional space to rehearse, create, and present work without the overhead of maintaining their own facility.
Solo artists developing new work who benefit from dedicated studio time, technical resources, and the creative energy of a shared artistic environment.
Professional companies seeking a D.C. home base for rehearsal seasons, creative development periods, or community engagement programming tied to their touring calendar.
Independent practitioners building a teaching practice, workshop series, or arts-adjacent business who need a professional, mission-aligned space to operate from.
Your residency in 4 steps
Tell us about your company or practice, the type of residency you are interested in, and your timeline.
We will schedule a call or studio visit to discuss your needs, walk you through the spaces, and explore the right fit.
We will outline a tailored residency plan with scheduling, subsidized rates, and any additional support included.
Welcome to your new creative home. Start rehearsing, creating, and building within the DIW community.
Residency FAQ
What does “subsidized” mean in practice?
Resident artists and companies access studio and performance spaces at rates significantly below market value. The exact subsidy depends on the residency tier, the scope of your project, and alignment with DIW’s mission. We work with every applicant to find a structure that removes financial barriers without compromising the quality of support.
Do I need to be a dance company to apply?
No. While the program is rooted in dance, we welcome independent choreographers, teaching artists, multidisciplinary performers, and arts-adjacent creative entrepreneurs whose work aligns with DIW’s values of equity, community, and artistic excellence.
Is the residency open to companies outside of D.C.?
Yes. We welcome visiting artists and companies from outside the D.C. area, particularly for project residencies. Season-long residencies are best suited to companies with a sustained local presence, but we are open to creative arrangements.
What is the application timeline?
We accept residency inquiries on a rolling basis. Season-long company residencies are reviewed annually, typically in the spring for the following program year. Project and studio residencies can begin at any time, subject to space availability.
Apply for residency
Tell us about your company or practice, the type of residency you are interested in, and your timeline.
A Home for Your Creative Practice
DIW opens its doors to independent artists and dance companies seeking dedicated space to create, rehearse, and grow. Subsidized residencies in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s 14th Street corridor.
About the Program
More Than Space. A Creative Home.
DIW’s residency program provides subsidized studio access, institutional support, and a professional home base for artists and dance companies aligned with our mission of equity, excellence, and community empowerment.
Residents become part of the DIW ecosystem: a network of choreographers, educators, performers, and industry leaders working together to strengthen D.C.’s cultural infrastructure. The program removes the financial barriers that too often stand between artists and their next body of work.
Every residency is structured around the artist’s needs. Whether you are developing new choreography, building a company from the ground up, or preparing for a touring season, DIW provides the resources, mentorship, and community to help you get there.
What You Receive
infrastructure to focus on the work
Our residency program is designed to remove barriers and provide the infrastructure artists need to focus on what matters: the work.
Subsidized Studio Access
Recurring access to professional studios with sprung floors, mirrors, and sound systems at significantly reduced rates. Scheduling priority for resident companies.
Performance Opportunities
Recurring access to professional studios with sprung floors, mirrors, and sound systems at significantly reduced rates. Scheduling priority for resident companies.
Mentorship and Network
Direct connection to DIW’s network of choreographers, directors, and industry professionals. We connect residents with companies and leaders who open doors to paying gigs and advanced training.
Administrative Support
Assistance with grant applications, marketing, and promotional materials. DIW amplifies resident work through its communications channels and community networks.
Community and Belonging
Residency at DIW means joining a community of artists, students, and educators who share your values. Collaborative opportunities with DIW programs and visiting artists throughout the year.
Facility Access
Full access to DIW’s 14th Street facility, including changing rooms, kitchen, lobby, and common areas. A professional home base for your creative practice in the heart of D.C.
Subsidized Support
What Every Residency Includes
Our residency program is designed to remove barriers and provide the infrastructure artists need to focus on what matters: the work.
Bring DIW to Your Event
Performance Engagements
Performance 5 – 10 minutes
Behind every program is the infrastructure — staffing, systems, and oversight — that keeps DIW running effectively and ensures responsible stewardship of all funds.
Bring DIW to Your Event
Performance Engagements
Performance 5 – 10 minutes
Behind every program is the infrastructure — staffing, systems, and oversight — that keeps DIW running effectively and ensures responsible stewardship of all funds.
Who It’s For
Designed for Artists and Companies at Every Stage
Our residency program serves a wide range of creative practitioners who share our commitment to artistic excellence and community impact.
Emerging Dance Companies
New and growing companies that need affordable, professional space to rehearse, create, and present work without the overhead of maintaining their own facility.
Independent Choreographers
Solo artists developing new work who benefit from dedicated studio time, technical resources, and the creative energy of a shared artistic environment.
Established Companies
Professional companies seeking a D.C. home base for rehearsal seasons, creative development periods, or community engagement programming tied to their touring calendar.
Teaching Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs
Independent practitioners building a teaching practice, workshop series, or arts-adjacent business who need a professional, mission-aligned space to operate from.
How to Apply
Your Residency in 4 Steps
1
Submit an Inquiry
Tell us about your company or practice, the type of residency you are interested in, and your timeline.
2
Consultation
We will schedule a call or studio visit to discuss your needs, walk you through the spaces, and explore the right fit.
3
Proposal and Agreement
We will outline a tailored residency plan with scheduling, subsidized rates, and any additional support included.
4
Move In and Create
Welcome to your new creative home. Start rehearsing, creating, and building within the DIW community.
Common Questions
Residency FAQ
Resident artists and companies access studio and performance spaces at rates significantly below market value. The exact subsidy depends on the residency tier, the scope of your project, and alignment with DIW’s mission. We work with every applicant to find a structure that removes financial barriers without compromising the quality of support.
No. While the program is rooted in dance, we welcome independent choreographers, teaching artists, multidisciplinary performers, and arts-adjacent creative entrepreneurs whose work aligns with DIW’s values of equity, community, and artistic excellence.
Yes. We welcome visiting artists and companies from outside the D.C. area, particularly for project residencies. Season-long residencies are best suited to companies with a sustained local presence, but we are open to creative arrangements.
We accept residency inquiries on a rolling basis. Season-long company residencies are reviewed annually, typically in the spring for the following program year. Project and studio residencies can begin at any time, subject to space availability.
Common Questions
Residency FAQ
Resident artists and companies access studio and performance spaces at rates significantly below market value. The exact subsidy depends on the residency tier, the scope of your project, and alignment with DIW’s mission. We work with every applicant to find a structure that removes financial barriers without compromising the quality of support.
No. While the program is rooted in dance, we welcome independent choreographers, teaching artists, multidisciplinary performers, and arts-adjacent creative entrepreneurs whose work aligns with DIW’s values of equity, community, and artistic excellence.
Yes. We welcome visiting artists and companies from outside the D.C. area, particularly for project residencies. Season-long residencies are best suited to companies with a sustained local presence, but we are open to creative arrangements.
We accept residency inquiries on a rolling basis. Season-long company residencies are reviewed annually, typically in the spring for the following program year. Project and studio residencies can begin at any time, subject to space availability.
What does "subsidized" mean in practice?
Resident artists and companies access studio and performance spaces at rates significantly below market value. The exact subsidy depends on the residency tier, the scope of your project, and alignment with DIW’s mission. We work with every applicant to find a structure that removes financial barriers without compromising the quality of support.
Do I need to be a dance company to apply?
No. While the program is rooted in dance, we welcome independent choreographers, teaching artists, multidisciplinary performers, and arts-adjacent creative entrepreneurs whose work aligns with DIW’s values of equity, community, and artistic excellence.
Is the residency open to companies outside of D.C.?
Yes. We welcome visiting artists and companies from outside the D.C. area, particularly for project residencies. Season-long residencies are best suited to companies with a sustained local presence, but we are open to creative arrangements.
What is the application timeline?
We accept residency inquiries on a rolling basis. Season-long company residencies are reviewed annually, typically in the spring for the following program year. Project and studio residencies can begin at any time, subject to space availability.
Ready to Make DIW Your Creative Home?
Tell us about your company or practice and we will design a residency that supports your vision, your timeline, and your budget.