Organizing with Artist for Change (OAC)
Climate Institute

July 23–26, 2026 | Workspace for Choreographers, Sperryville, VA
565 Woodward Rd, Sperryville, VA 22740

At a time when many climate justice advocates are looking for meaningful ways to act, the Dance Exchange Climate Institute offers a space for collective practice, imagination, and renewal.

The 2026 Organizing Artists for Change (OAC) Climate Institute is a four-day immersive gathering exploring how dance, movement, embodied experience, and creativity can support the climate movement by energizing action, building climate community, and opening space to imagine and practice life-giving futures.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for a cohort of 15 participants (including scholarship and work-study positions). We encourage early submission as space is limited. Scholarship and work-study applications received before June 10 will receive priority review.

The Insitute Includes:

• Daily embodied movement practices grounded in body and place
• Workshops on creative climate tools and approaches
• Collaborative inquiry and dialogue sessions
• Shared meals and reflection spaces
• Beautiful and fully accessible housing options
• Field experience in Shenandoah National Park
• Closing session focused on integration and continuation

Registration Deadlines:

• Scholarship Requests and Work Exchange: June 10, 2026
• General Registration Deadline: June 15, 2026

Video Registration Option:

Scholarships and Work Exchange

 

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available. Please indicate below if you would like to be considered for a scholarship. The registration deadline for scholarship applications is June 10, 2026.

Work Exchange: Dance Exchange is excited to offer two Work Exchange opportunities during this year's Climate Institute. The registration deadline for Work Exchange applications is June 10, 2026.

 

• The Communications Work Exchange will involve offering remote support with various marketing and communications tasks leading up to, during, and immediately after the 2026 OAC Climate Institute. This role will also include documentation of the Institute and an opportunity to work closely with the Dance Exchange Communications and Facilitation team in professional development and skill-building.

 

• The Production Work Exchange will involve offering on-the-ground support with various Institute setup, tear down, check-in and registration, equipment and materials, and other tasks in relation to the producing of the Climate Institute itself. This role is a great professional development opportunity to work closely with Dance Exchange’s Creative Producer and gain skills in the production of creative community engagements.

 

The two individuals who fulfill these Work Exchange positions will receive full or partial tuition coverage in exchange for their support. More details provided upon onboarding. Please indicate in your application that you would like to be considered for Work Exchange.
 

A Shared Learning Journey

The 2026 Climate Institute is designed as the entry point into a longer Climate Learning Arc. It begins with the four-day Climate Institute gathering in July and continues into a sustained learning community from August through December.

Participants may:

• Attend the Climate Institute as a standalone experience, and/or
• Continue into the Climate Cohort for deeper, ongoing engagement

Please Note: Participation in the Climate Cohort is included with your Institute regisration. There is NO ADDITIONAL COST to participate in the Climate Cohort.

 
Climate Cohort

August–December 2026 | Bi-weekly Gatherings (Online) 
How do we stay engaged in the work of climate action over time?

The Climate Cohort is a bi-weekly learning community that extends the Climate Institute, supporting sustained inquiry, creative practice, and climate engagement over time through shared reflection, connection, and collective support.

In the Climate Cohort, participants will:

• Continue relationships and collaborations formed during the Institute
• Deepen and refine climate-based creative practices
• Receive feedback and support on developing ideas and projects
• Engage in ongoing embodied and reflective practice
• Stay connected to a community of artists and climate practitioners over time
   

Cohort Schedule 

Bi-weekly Online Gatherings | 1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 6:30–8:00 PM ET
August–December 2026

• Aug 4 & 18
• Sept 1 & 15
• Oct 6 & 20
• Nov 3 & 17
• Dec 1 & 15

Participation & Sliding Scale

Dance Exchange is committed to making the Climate Institute accessible while honoring the true costs of this work. We offer a sliding scale to support equity and community care. Please choose the rate that feels most appropriate for your circumstances.

Tuition includes participation in the full Climate Institute and Climate Cohort and four meals during the Institute. Housing costs are additional (please see below).

 

• $500 – Movement Builder Rate
  This rate helps cover your participation and supports scholarships for others. If you are able to contribute at this level, you help make the Institute more accessible for all.

 

• $450 – Standard Rate (True Cost)
  This reflects the actual cost of running the Institute. Choosing this rate helps us sustain the full scope of the program.

 

• $400 – Community Access Rate
  This reduced rate is available for those who need it. We invite you to select this option if the standard rate presents a barrier to participation.

If cost remains a barrier even at the Community Access rate, we encourage you to reach out—we’re actively working to increase access and may have additional scholarships available. We also welcome inquiries about work-study opportunities, which can offer a reduced tuition rate in exchange for helping support aspects of the Institute.

Housing Options:

 

Rose River Farm - Cabins

3099 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike (rt.670), Syria, Virginia 22743

 

• Rose River Farm features three exceptional cabins for overnight guests located approximately 25 minutes by car from the Institute main location on a private 20 acre parcel that has beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Rose River Valley.
• The cabins are modern day interpretations of classic Mongolian Yurts. Constructed of cedar, glass and steel, each cabin is over 1,100 square feet and has central AC/Heat.
• All cabins feature two bedrooms with two full baths.
• Each bedroom has two double beds.
• The living room features a domed 17 ft ceiling, leather club furniture and a jumbo flat screen smart (Netflix capable) TV with satellite, and even an iPod docking stereo.
• Unlimited satellite WIFI is available at no charge.
• There is also a full kitchen (stove, oven, microwave, full size fridge and freezer with ice maker) and a nice round dining / gaming table for eating or a little evening cards.
• Participants staying at Rose River Farm have the option to stay an additional evening to check-out on Monday, 7/27

 

Hokpins Ordinary - Rosemary Room

47 Main Street in Historic Sperryville, Virginia 22740.

 

• The Rosemary Room is on the first floor at the back of the main house at Hopkins Ordinary, located approximately 25 minutes by car from the Institute main location.
• It has a private porch, fireplace, queen-size bed, and a large bathroom with a tub and shower combined. 
• The room is very private and handicap accessible. 
• Please be aware that this room is located directly above our brewery tasting room, which closes at 7pm, and you may hear the sound of people having fun while the tasting room is open.

 

 

Your Housing Preferences:

Please click the submit button below to finalize your registration.