In the early 2000s, the Chicago Community Trust funded a comprehensive Dance Initiative, which included a multi-year market research study on how to build dance audiences. One of the resultant projects was SeeChicagoDance.com, an audience-development website designed by marketers Carol Fox and Niki Morrison (of Carol Fox & Associates) to drive ticket sales for dance in Chicago.
As demand for the website grew, Carol and Niki founded the nonprofit “Audience Architects,” named to reflect the original intent of providing services to other performing arts forms, such as theater and music, as well. As years passed, the organization continued its focus on dance, in part because dance faced greater audience development needs than the other art forms.
After a rigorous 2017 strategic planning process, the organization began doing business as See Chicago Dance to more accurately reflect its sole focus on the art form of dance. Zachary Whittenburg (former dance critic with “Time Out Chicago”) called SCD “an invaluable resource for major organizations, emerging artists, and new arrivals. It is essential to inviting advocacy and encouraging support for the volume and diversity of dance in Chicago.”
In the last five years, SCD has evolved into the go-to organization to promote and advocate for the broader needs of the Chicago dance community. Our programs are unique to Chicago and seek to build bridges towards a well-informed and ever-growing audience base for the field. We offer multiple modalities for audiences to experience the variety and vibrancy of Chicago’s dance talent. In addition to the programs listed above, we deliver quarterly convenings/professional development opportunities, audience engagement/pop up-stage events (Chicago Dance Month), public conversations/workshops (Screendance Club), and access to mentorship (Dance for Camera).
In recognition of SCD’s leadership in the community, the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events named us the lead programming and marketing partner for the 2022 Year of Chicago Dance.
Your tax-deductible gift goes directly to help area dance artists and organizations build a broader and more sustainable presence in Chicago.
Thank you!
