David Rockefeller Center at Pocantico

ENU Builds at Pocantico

ARTS10566 Builds A Renaissance with ENU

2022 Rockefeller Brother Fund Residency

 

Renaissance is a French word meaning rebirth.  The typical reference refers to a period in European civilization immediately following the Middle, or Dark Ages.  Then, global exploration opened up Europe to new lands and cultures for exploration and trade. This time promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature, art and so much more.

 

The Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual and cultural revival of African American music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, and politics centered in Harlem, New York, spanning the 1920s and 1930s.  During these times, African American culture flourished, as New Yorkers decided to step up against the oppression and subordination that they had experienced due to “race”. Gaining a sense of unity, fortifying integrity, and evoking agency for expression and creativity, giving way to new forms of art, music, fashion, and literature, allowing for the cultivation of expression with a new sense of culture and pride.

 

We are now in the midst of a new informational age renaissance and there has been a tidal wave of awareness, bringing about a rebirth across the globe.  This awareness has ignited a global consciousness of inequities and cultural experiences, within this digital age leading to some great strides on social justice issues subsequently effecting change in multiple areas including, art, education, and entertainment.  Nationally, there has been a refocusing of the social lens, an awakening of the spirit.  Our senses have been heightened and this new age renaissance has rejuvenated the will of the people, building a new cultural awareness and pride that has released energy and sparked a movement that is happening simultaneously both cross-culturally and intergenerationally during these unprecedented times. This manifestation of experiences and culture has rebirthed individual, communal, and societal expression, creativity, and the search for truth. There has been a re-emergence of rich culture immersion, a rise in the voices of the opinionated, astounding visual creativity, musical fusion, both reflective and responsive, all fortifying the connections of a people, and building community.

 

Arts10566 RBF Renaissance is the opportunity to engage and build community through the Arts, including visual art, music, dance and spoken word. By sharing culture, relevant history and offering enriching experiences., our plan of action is based in outreach, shared experiences, and facilitated through a four-part blueprint which includes building dialogue, providing educational opportunities for the community, and creative hands-on workshops, all culminating in a performance reflective of culture and present-day society.  A shared, emotionally expressive performance, delivered in a collaboration of art, music, dance and spoken word.

 

Building Dialogue (Community Engagement) - We believe building dialogue is the key to society's growth.  Communication is not only an education component but can also deescalate conflict.  These conversations shine light into some dark places and cultivate understanding.

Building Knowledge (Educational Component) - These series promote the transfer of knowledge and sharing of experiences while allowing a cultural immersion creating equity in our communities.

Building Creativity (Creative Workshops) - Hands-on creative workshops offer education, exploration, and freedom of expression. All contributing to a sense of community through a shared experience amongst participants.

Building Expression (Exhibit & Performance) - The culmination of the entire experience will end in gallery art showcases. A live stage performance closing out the residency, which will stimulate the senses through art, music, dance and spoken word.