Reflections from our Director Lynn Neuman
For 25 years, Artichoke Dance Company has been creating performances and programs that reflect on critical issues, envision transformation and empowering change. We’ve learned so much from the people with whom and places at which we’ve worked, each of which has influenced Artichoke Dance Company’s trajectory toward involvement, empowerment and equity through engaging in arts practices.
In relation to climate change, so many solutions already exist. But, as a society, we’re not choosing them. And in many cases, it’s not an individual choice but a political and operational one that reflects values and priorities. A cultural shift is necessary to enable new ways of doing and being in our society and this is where artists come in and make an impact!
In our work creating cultural shifts, we reach audiences in public places through topically driven performances that entertain and inspire, communities in brave spaces that envision and empower, and artists is safe spaces that educate, challenge and expand the scope of their work.
As we enter the holiday season, if you have the means to do so, please consider making a contribution to Artichoke Dance Company in honor of our 25th Anniversary and send us leaping into the next 25 years!
Company dancers Left to Right: John Trunfio, Tommy Batchelor, Ava Rakowski, Quetzali Hart, Emily Arden Jones and Aidan Feldman at our first annual eco-arts festival on Governors Island.
Here are few of the many things we accomplished this year:
Entertained over 500,000 audiences with free public performances
Educated over 1000 youth and adults in arts, science, sustainability, and environmental justice
Engaged over 200 people in participatory art making with a purpose
Graduated 3 cohorts of Ambassadors through trainings in merging art with activism
Mentored 12 interns in performing arts production and management
Produced an eco-arts activism festival on Governors Island
Dancers and participants in our performance installation, a collaboration with 350Brooklyn, created of upcycled plastic materials featured in the New York City Mermaid Parade that won the Judge’s Choice Award.
A word from some ambassadors…
“Being in a room with someone who’s teaching in such a positive way has given me hope and motivation.” Jo Ramirez - Movement Artist
“Developing my career in relation to climate change and also my skills on how I communicate about my project.” Estefania Mompean Botias - Architect
“Come with an open mind and open arms because the outcome is really unexpected.” Catalina Cavelight - Installation Artist
Here’s how your support helps!
$75 sponsors a dancer in a rehearsal
$150 provides a partial ambassador scholarship in an online module
$300 supports a community conversation, building bridges
$650 enables a full ambassador scholarship at the in-person intensive
$1250 supports an artist during a creative residency
$2500 sponsors an outdoor public performance
Performing in a narrow cavern at the Newtown Creek Nature Walk as part of the Prelude in the Parks Festival.
Select Highlights coming up in 2025
Performances in NYC: January 11-12 @ Ailey Citigroup Theatre
Ambassador Spring module: March 22-April 19
Spring Creative Residency: Dates TBA
Governor’s Island Engagement Series: Monthly May-September
Global Water Dances New York: June 14
Ambassadors Summer Intensive: Dates TBA
Eco-Arts Activism Festival: September 20-21
Premiere of new work at Climate Week NYC
Ambassadors Fall module: October 18- November 15