Studio 8 is a Jordanian non-for-profit company active in the field of dance and performing arts. It was founded in 2014 by a group of young artists aiming to shape and humanize dance art through innovation, experimentation, development, exchange, education, and research. It is at the heart of the Studio’s mission to increase access to dance and to increase opportunities for cultural expression and awareness. For the past 9 years, Studio 8 has collaborated with more than 600 people of 43 nationalities in creating 10 original dance productions, giving more than 60 performances, and organizing more than 160 classes and workshops. Studio 8 has also made dance videos and facilitated art incubations, artistic residencies, dance-inspired exhibitions, dance discussions, community art walks, and street art fairs.

IDEA – International Dance Encounter Amman, is a bi-annual international multi-disciplinary dance festival based in Amman, Jordan, organized and curated by Studio 8. IDEA aims to put Jordan in the global dance scene. It creates bonds between dance professionals from Jordan and abroad. Through supporting, producing, and presenting works for local emerging artists, together with a network of international and regional partners, IDEA serves as a platform for innovation, experimentation, and continuous development of dance culture in Jordan and beyond.

To hold a global Atelier in Jordan supports the mission to bring international cultural workers in the Jordan scene and to reflect in depth on which role festivals and art can play in conflict situations and as platforms for freedom of expression and human rights.