Mission

Conduit is dedicated to advancing contemporary dance while preserving the art form’s history, practice, and performance. Through its programs, the organization preserves historic work, provides vital resources for artists, and offers professional training and educational opportunities that are consistent, current, and of the highest quality.


Conduit Dance, Inc. was founded in 1995 by Linda K. Johnson and Mary Oslund, and since 2022, has been led by Artistic Director Shaun Keylock. For the last 30 years, Conduit has supported hundreds of dancers, choreographers, performers, dance students, and teachers. Drawing from its extensive archives, the organization produces exhibitions, performances, screenings, workshops, talks, and lectures, both at its studio in Portland and in partnership with other organizations nationwide.

Through the three tier service model below, Conduit provides support for Portland’s vibrant community of artists and enables contemporary dance to be accessible and affordable to the public.

  • Conduit preserves the work of aging and underrepresented artists through modular archives, exhibitions, and educational programs. By safeguarding historical dance materials and facilitating peer-to-peer mentorship, we ensure the region’s dance history remains accessible and influential.

  • For the last 30 years, Conduit has supported hundreds of dancers, choreographers, performers, dance students, and teachers. We continue to nurture emerging talent and provide ongoing training for artists at all levels. Residencies, commissions, and cultural exchange programs further enhance artistic growth and foster community dialogue.

  • Through curated performances, screenings, talks, lectures, and exhibitions, Conduit connects artists, students, and audiences. As a hub of collaboration with other regional and national dance organizations, Conduit’s programs broaden both community outreach and accessibility efforts, strengthening public appreciation for dance history and contemporary practice.