Impact
Artists have contributed to programming since opening in 2015
Artistic practices have been represented in programming since opening in 2015
Participants have attended our Open Arts Studio for Families program since opening in 2015
Approach
The Arts Initiative convenes interdisciplinary workshops that inform new projects and programming for all ages. This method is grounded in the notion that artistic practice is a substantive context in which to aspire towards individual and societal transformation.
Practicing
The Arts Initiative developed a process-focused approach called Practicing, a series of workshops, projects, and programs that applies rigorous thinking and making to questions framed by multiple perspectives. Practicing workshops inspire projects in various forms including dance, music, poetry, and installation. Our many audiences encounter the artistic process through showings, openings, exhibitions, lectures, publications, and range of programs for families.
Practicing initially examined four subjects: empathy, awe, silence, and joy.
Many partners have enriched Practicing, including:
Garnette Cadogan
Cindertalk
Silas Farley
Ross Gay
Jake Goldbas
Bill T. Jones
Molly Joyce
Ilya Kaminsky
Andrea Miller and GALLIM
Samora Pinderhughes
Nicole Sealey
Julianne Swartz
Christian Wiman
Yale Institute of Sacred Music
The Arvo Pärt Project
Copper Beech Institute
Arts Initiative Programming Gallery
Arts Initiative Timeline
2020
Developed Moments & Fieldnotes, a new digital series featuring videos, essays, playlists and family activities. The first installment returns to the 2018–2019 program Practicing Joy with a new guiding question: What practices are required to sustain life and liberation?
2019
Supported influential artist Carrie Mae Weems and her ongoing investigation of family relationships, cultural identity, sexism, class, political systems, and the consequences of power. Programming featured a presentation of the performance-based work, Past Tense.
2018
Supported distinguished artist Meredith Monk and her interdisciplinary practice that discovers and weaves together new modes of perception. Programming featured the development of Cellular Songs and a work-in-progress showing of the critically-acclaimed work.
2017
Introduced a suite of high-standard artist and educator-led family programs—including facilitated activities, discovery guides, play spaces, and library resources—that serve as portals into the Foundation’s work for children and caregivers to enjoy together.
2016
Developed a process-focused approach called Practicing, a series of workshops, projects, and programs led by Arts Initiative Creative Director Kenyon Victor Adams that applies rigorous thinking and making to questions framed by multiple perspectives.
2015
Activated Grace Farms with inaugural programming featuring the work of SANAA, Thomas Demand, Olafur Eliasson, Teresita Fernández, Beatriz Milhazes, Susan Philipsz, Aloe Blacc, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, Matthew Rushing, and New Chamber Ballet.
