DADAO 2026/27
professional development program for artists making work for outdoors and/or alternative settings beyond the theatre stage
2026/27 Des Arts Dehors/Arts Outside Cohort
Artist - mentor
Artist - mentor
Artist - mentor
Artist - mentor
Artist - mentor
Artist - mentor
Linden Yin Choi - mentor
Sarah Kennedy - mentor
Aurore Liang - mentor
Rachel Helten - soma anima arts - mentor
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Linden Yin Choi
Prayers Through Strawberry Fields / Prières pour les fraises
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Sarah Kennedy
InsatiABLE Or-bits
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Aurore Liang artiste et ses collaborateurs
Grace meets power
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Rachel Helten - soma anima arts
Gentle Glory
QUOTES FROM PREVIOUS DADAO ARTISTS
“I find the DADAO program with Dance West Network to be incredibly nourishing. They offer mentorship from experienced artists and educators, who have been a great source of guidance, as well as a range of workshops/resources that support many aspects of being an artist: from budgeting, funding, producing, pitching, and presenting, as well as finding on-going opportunities and beyond. At times, it can feel isolating and overwhelming to figure out how to balance our many roles as artists in a sustainable way while still nourishing our creativity, and the making and presenting of the work. Dance West offers teachings and tools that support the full creative process from the early stages of development through to presenting and touring work, helping to make the journey feel more resourced and supported.” - Rachel Helten, DADAO 2025-26 Artist
"Participating in the DADAO professional development series hosted by Dance West Network has been such a wonderful experience for me, especially as a new artist in Vancouver. The program offered a warm and thoughtful introduction to the arts community here, helping me better understand the cultural, social, and structural contexts that shape the environment of my new city. The practical workshops and resource-sharing sessions really supported my growth as a dance artist and gave me tools that feel relevant and useful as I build a support system around my work. One of the most meaningful parts of the program was being paired with a mentor, whose generous insights helped shape my project and offered a deeper understanding of what it means to navigate this field as a woman of colour artist in Canada.” - Palak Dhiman, DADAO 2024-25 Artist