Research Assistant - All Bodies Dance Project (ABDP)

312 Main Research Shop is a program within SFU CERi that facilitates collaboration between SFU graduate students and non-profit/community groups. It is focused on supporting research projects that provide plain-language answers to community-driven research questions at low or no cost to the community partner.

All Bodies Dance Project (ABDP) is an inclusive dance company located on unceded Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil- Waututh), and xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) territories (Vancouver, BC, Canada) with a  mission is to create opportunities for people of all abilities, genders, sizes, and backgrounds to practice, research, and create innovative, inclusive dance. ABDP’s work blurs the boundaries between community-engaged and professional practice while dismantling assumptions, biases, and default notions around contemporary dance, the theatre, and the dancing body. The company values the lived experience of movers both with and without disabilities and approach accessibility tools and practices as sources of generative artistic possibility.

The Research Assistant will support ABDP to investigate their community-based art practice  and articulate a framework(s) in relation to existing intersectional Disability Justice (DJ) principles, Equity frameworks and other theories and methodologies. This research will help ABDP describe and position themselves, informing their programming, funding request,  succession planning, archival practices, and legacy building as they approach their 10th season. The findings will also benefit other non-profits and community engagement art organizations in Vancouver and beyond.

• Conduct a literature review on community-based arts practice, community cultural development, Disability Justice (DJ), inclusive arts, intergenerational arts, within Canada and abroad.

• Perform comparative studies with other non-profits that share similar values and/or integrate DJ and Equity principles in their community arts work.

• Conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including ABDP participants, staff, and collaborators, to gather qualitative data on current practices and potential improvements.

• Analyze collected data to provide insights and recommendations for ABDP.

• Prepare a report summarizing findings and highlighting best practices around accessibility and inclusion in the non-profit arts sector.

• Work closely with the Artistic Director and General Manager and other team members to ensure research aligns with ABDP’s goals.

• Engage with community stakeholders to gather relevant information and ensure the research is community-informed.

• Graduate degree (MA or PhD) in a related field such as Disability Studies, Community Arts, Social Work, or a related field. MA students who are near completion and current PhD students are encouraged to apply.

• Strong research skills, including experience with qualitative and quantitative methods.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.

• Proficiency in using digital tools for research and data collection.

• Experience with community-based arts, disability justice, or non-profit work is an asset.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.

• Alignment with All Bodies Dance Project’s vision and values

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful community arts work with a focus on inclusion and accessibility.

• Gain experience in research, policy analysis, and program development.

• Collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team.

• Flexible working hours to accommodate academic commitments.

• Please send a current CV, writing sample, and application form to Joanna Habdank, Program Manager at SFU CERi: joanna_habdank@sfu.ca
• Candidates from equity seeking groups, including Black, Indigenous and racialized people, people facing accessibility barriers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people and people from low-income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 
• Application Deadline: The closing date for applications is July 31st, 2024
• Application form link: https://forms.gle/uhq9vw6kuthjpryAA