The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD)

The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) was founded in 1991 to preserve and promote dance by people of African ancestry or origin. Since its founding, IABD has evolved into an international arts service organization that:

• annually hosts its signature conference and festival that convenes over 800 dance professionals from around the world; 
• serves as a source and publication for scholarly discourse on the dance sector;
• functions as an intermediary grantmaker; 
• advocates for and delivers funding, capacity building, audience development, and performance opportunity support for its members; and
• presents periodic workshops, year-round programs, and other special events to benefit the IABD membership and the general public.

Through tireless efforts in the arts and culture sector, IABD validates the significant connections and influence that dance by people of African ancestry or origin have on the American and international cultural landscape. IABD's work is rich with insights, knowledge, and expertise vital to current and future dance professionals. Currently, IABD members consist of dancers, arts administrators, choreographers, dance companies, directors, students, educators, philanthropists, and scholars.

Within the last 5 years, IABD has received significant support and investments to assist with growing its impact in the dance sector. With those investments, IABD redefined its own infrastructure and hired its first set of full-time staff members, increasing its operational and programming capacity. In 2019, IABD became the first Black-led dance service organization to grant over $1M of funding to Black dance companies across the United States.

IABD is in a critical stage in its evolution and actively looking to align itself with a strategic and resourceful professional that will support its next iteration. It is anticipated that the right leader will be instrumental in strengthening and expanding the current infrastructure and business model for IABD's strategic vision, fiscal responsibility, and leadership in the dance sector. 

The future holds a great opportunity for IABD to increase its impact, refine its infrastructure, and champion anti-racism within the dance sector. This is an exciting opportunity to represent the dance community nationally and internationally and within the broader arts and philanthropic sector!