Dancing in NYC ’ s Sacred Places
Partners completed one phase of its Making a Home for the Arts in Sacred Places program ( AiSP ) in New York City in 2020 , and began another with the support of New York Community Trust and in collaboration with Dance / NYC , New York Landmarks Conservancy , and Goldstein Hall PLLC .
Launched in Philadelphia and replicated in Chicago , Austin , and Baltimore , AiSP creates more vibrant and sustainable communities by connecting artists and arts organizations that need space with congregations that have underused space . This project focused on linking dance makers with sacred places in Manhattan and Brooklyn because :
“
Because my collaborator and I have been able to rehearse consistently at Hebrew Tabernacle - THANKS TO YOU - we have booked our first safely distanced outdoor performances !
— Ingrid Kapteyn , Dance Maker
1 . Studies have shown that lack of affordable rehearsal space is a pressing challenge for NYC dance makers , and
2 . Many sacred places have open , underused spaces in their basements , gymnasiums , Sunday school wings , and even sanctuaries , which are perfect for dance .
In the past year the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how important the performing arts are - both in New York City and across the country - and provided evidence of how sacred places can continue to serve as a home for the arts , even during a world-shaking pandemic .
20 Sacred Places surveyed
21 Dance Makers
participated
2 In-Person Trainings on Space Sharing
2 Virtual Trainings on Space Sharing
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Martha Chapman , Omega Dance Company , dances at a gathering of dance makers and sacred places on Governors Island , New York . Photo : Partners for Sacred Places
Partnerships Formed
New Bethel Way of the Cross
+ Dances for Solidarity
Hebrew Tabernacle + HEWMAN , Welcome to Campfire
Congregation Kol Israel + Dances for Solidarity + Ariel Rivka Dance
Saint Luke ’ s Lutheran Church + Alison Cook Beatty Dance
The Center at West Park + Stefanie Nelson DanceGroup
Broadway Presbyterian Church + Stefanie Nelson DanceGroup
First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn + Collect 8