Philadelphia Dance Projects (PDP) supports contemporary dance through projects that encourage artists and audiences to more fully participate and engage in the experience and pursuit of dance as an evolving form. PDP began as a three year mentoring project (1993–95) under the aegis of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Today, the organization serves the regional performance community and works to build and sustain an audience for contemporary dance in Philadelphia through a range of presenting programs, classes, and workshops. A 2008 Center grant supported the creation of the Philadelphia Dance Projects Presents series, and a 2009 grant supported the Local Dance History Project, examining the development of contemporary dance in Philadelphia through the work of five dance and movement artists during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 2018, the Center-funded Old City Arts History Project further explores this era and investigates the arts in relationship to place, with research into the legacy and influence of artists working in Old City, Philadelphia.
