Dance/NYC is hosting this discussion as a part of their #ArtistsAreNecessaryWorkers: Facebook Live Conversation Series. These transparent conversations with arts workers highlight the importance of the arts ecology, pointing to current challenges and offering considerations on our way forward as a field.

The #ArtistsAreNecessaryWorkers campaign launched on Thursday, May 14th, and demands the acknowledgement, representation and integration of dance and arts workers into the decision-making that will envision our future post-pandemic. As you may know, Mayor de Blasio announced significant cuts to the city’s budget, particularly impacting arts and culture, and the department of education and announced a new advisory council on Arts, Culture, and Tourism toward re-opening in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, that did not include a dance representative. With this in mind, Dance/NYC has initiated a series of actions to highlight the importance of arts workers; build and amplify solidarity as a dance community and across the arts sector; and reimagine a world that is just, equitable, inclusive, and abundant.

Gabri Christa participates as a guest speaker in A Digital Future for the Arts, discussing the role of technology and digital experiences in the future of the arts field.

Confirmed Speakers: 

• André Zachery, Artistic Director, Renegade Performance Group

• Ashley Ferro-Murray, Curator, Experimental Media & Performing Arts Center (EMPAC)

• Gabri Christa, Film and Dance Maker; Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Barnard College; Director, Movement Lab

• Sydney Skybetter, Lecturer and Public Humanities Fellow, Brown University