While the world grieves with Japan and all of those affected by the events of the recent natural disaster, the festival Japan NYC will go on as scheduled beginning this week at over 22 venues in 65 events around the city. Despite some initial concerns over whether continuing with the festival was appropriate following last weeks earthquake and ensuing events, the festival will proceed with its mission of honoring the rich, historical, cultural heritage of Japan. And in what better way to honor a country so steeped in magnificent artistry and unique cultural traditions, than to share them in both a visual and performing arts context.
The original purpose of the festival was to provide a look at how current artistic trends and aesthetics contribute to the changing cultural makeup of Japan. Highlighting both classic and contemporary works in varied forms ranging from calligraphy, dance, indie rock concerts and everything in between, the festival aims to stay true to the uniqueness of Japan while demonstrating how outside influences shape the future of the arts. With elements of the future uncertain right now for Japan, the event takes on new meaning in the form of a tribute and sign of support. The pieces themselves perhaps take on new meaning and find a new level of profound importance.
While we all want to do our part to aid in the recovery process and make our donations to the organizations involved in the relief effort, this event not only gives back in the form of donated proceeds, but resonates with us by communicating the beauty of a culture. If ever there was a time where art was needed to communicate a message of hope, this is the time and this is the event.
This week’s events are the second part of a two part series that began in December. For a full list of events, visit the Carnegie Hall website at
http://www.carnegiehall.org/article/box_office/series/brochure/japannyc/index.aspx
Friday, March 18, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Everyday Art
A few years ago I found myself becoming burnt out on the lifestyle of a performing artist. Working three jobs in between rehearsals, auditions and performing was becoming overwhelming. Having limited time and little energy to enjoy the few minutes of performing that I was actually doing all of this for, was causing me contemplate if this was all worth it. After a rough phase of particularly grueling Broadway auditions where one waits around for six hours or so only to be typed out immediately, or partaking in auditions where one is asked to bounce around and giggle or act like a goofy Disney creature, I often found myself muttering under my breath “I went in debt to get a conservatory education to do this?” It was definitely time to take a break and re-evaluate a few things.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Implications for Modern Dance
For anyone who’s ever studied a classical art form, performing or visual, you’ve not only gone through the process of honing a craft in its present form developing a technique as well as a life-long passion or at least appreciation of the art form, but you’ve also more than likely been exposed to the history of the art form and discovered that somewhere along the way, your technique, method or instrument, was an instrument of change. These evolutions in art often mirrored the shift of a culture or generation and worked to leave a lasting impression on a viewer that persuaded them to think, feel and possibly even act.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Kimberly Prosa
I hold an M.S. in human services with a specialization in non-profit management and a B.F.A. in dance from the Purchase Conservatory of Dance and have taught ballet, pointe and contemporary dance at several schools, studios and universities throughout New York and Oregon in addition to serving as a guest teaching artist and artist in residence restaging works, and creating choreography throughout, New York City, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Birmingham and southern Oregon as well as participating in an arts outreach program in Ghana, West Africa.
I additionally blog for the Women’s Education Project.
Welcome
The Artist Exchange is based upon the belief that the arts are a universal, communicative tool that transcends all cultural and economic barriers and should be used to affect and convey social change. This is the place to connect the arts to the world at large and examine its place in our lives, culture and society. Through understanding how the arts has shaped our culture, and personally defined us, and by supporting the artists and agencies that use their talents to effect change, we can continue to ensure the arts has a place in our society.