Banner photo of The Seldoms by Andrew Glatt

ACE (AppAlachia/Chicago Exchange) fellowship in dance

Dancers Robert Rubama and Haley Heckethorn perform at an open rehearsal in the Red Barn studio, as part of the 2022 ACE Fellowship with Alejandro Cerrudo. Photo by Camilla Calnan.

An ACE (Appalachia/Chicago Exchange) Fellowship in Dance provides Chicago area choreographers and their collaborators immersive creative time, financial support and inspiring rehearsal space in a beautiful rural setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Available to established Chicago area choreographers and dancemakers, awardees receive the rare opportunity of uninterrupted time and space to create their next great work, along a variety of supportive financial benefits. The length of the residency is one to two weeks, and the choreographer can be joined by up to four additional dancers/collaborators. There is no expectation of producing any specific work or material. However, during the ACE Fellowship, artists are invited to engage with the regional community in a variety of ways. During the residency, there may be a Meet the Artists event, or other opportunities for the Chicago-based artists to interact and exchange time and talent with our growing local community of artists and patrons. Trillium Arts acts as a facilitator for this “Exchange” portion of ACE, providing suggestions for pairings and introductions as necessary. Beyond any selected engagements, this is a self-directed program, and the artists determine the specific ways to use their residency time.

Fellowships Include:

 Trillium is delighted to relaunch this program in 2027, and with funding support from our sponsors, Trillium Arts can provide 1-2 ACE choreographers with the following:

Dancer Tuli Bera rehearses among the trees as part of Ayako Kato’s 2021 ACE Fellowship.

  • A $1,000 cash honorarium

  • Paid airfare from Chicago to Asheville

  • Private lodging in a beautiful setting on 22 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains

  • Rehearsal space in the Red Barn Studio at Odonata Farm

  • Welcome dinner and daily essential groceries/supplies

  • Rental car

  • Per diems for all participating artists

  • Shared use of the grounds, including firepit, hot tub and waterfall area

  • Opportunity to engage with Western North Carolina-area artists of all creative disciplines

  • Access to high speed fiber optic internet

  • Laundry facilities

How to Apply:

In 2027, ACE Fellows will be awarded via an open application process and panel review. The application and more details will be published by the end of October. Previous ACE Fellows are not eligible to apply.

The application PORTAL will be available beginning on november 19, 2026.

Please JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST to receive any additional announcements about the application process.

ACE Fellowships will occur in either August or September 2027. More information coming soon!

2024 ACE Fellow Xavier Nunez in rehearsal with Joffrey Ballet dancers Olivia Duryea and Evan Boersma.

Previous ACE Fellows:

Special Thanks to the Morrison-Shearer Foundation for its support of the ACE Fellowships in Dance.