The Bridge Program

The Bridge Performance Incubator Edition will foster generative dialogue and nurture the embodied practices of eight performance artists through a 10-week, seminar-style course, designed to expand their artistic practice and produce new work, culminating in a performance festival at Co-Prosperity Sphere in summer 2025. This incubation program provides much-needed resources and support for performance artists in Chicago, creating a space for them to develop either new or existing projects and take part in the production of a public showcase.

A key aspect of the program is engagement with established visiting artists and curators, including Joseph Ravens, artist and director of Defibrillator Performance Art Gallery; Laura Paige Kyber, Associate Curator of Performance at the Museum of Contemporary Art; Lin Hixson, artist and director of Goat Island and currently Every House Has a Door; Producer Sarah Skaggs; and Celeste (aka Ale Campos) artist. These renowned guests will share insights into professional performance practices, provide valuable feedback on participants’ projects, and offer mentorship from their diverse experiences in the live art industry.

Throughout the program, participants will present their practices, goals, and visions for their projects, progressing through grounding exercises, feedback sessions, site visits, work-in-progress presentations, and professional development conversations. The program encourages artists to keep a reflective journal to document their evolution over the 10 weeks.

As an Open Arts Program, participation in the Bridge Program has no minimum required tuition. Artists may contribute as they are able, with suggested tuition set at $350, supporting program costs such as facilitators, guest artists, supplies, and space.