A Letter from LMCC’s Executive Directors

Dear Artists, Supporters, and Friends of LMCC:

Our thoughts are with you as we begin this new year.

Regardless of political views, last week’s insurrection at the US Capitol Building serves as a painful touchstone of the ongoing, anti-Black, anti-Semitic, institutional and structural racism that penetrates our society in visible and invisible ways. It is a stark reminder of the need for sustained anti-racist work mobilizing against hate. We are energized by the spirit and dedication of artists, cultural organizations, and our colleagues in the field, who lead through civic engagement, inclusiveness, and dialogue with local and global communities.

Here at LMCC, we are committed to centering racial equity and sustainability at all levels of our organization, and creating safe spaces for artists to work and continue their practices in our residency, grants and public programs.

We are thrilled to continue our work towards this vision by welcoming 22 new resident artists to our Arts Center at Governors Island this month to develop their work, with many more artists to come throughout the rest of the year. The 2021 GI COVID-19 Response Residency Program exemplifies the power of a diverse group of artistic voices working in community with one another to process our current reality and imagine future ones. This cohort comes from all five boroughs, reflects the breadth of the city’s cultural backgrounds and demonstrates a range of innovative, interdisciplinary practices. The residency is a direct response to the timely needs of NYC-based artists and creative practitioners, and seeks to provide resources to those most affected by the ongoing health crisis. You can read more about the program and its participants in the body of our newsletter below.

With City, State, and UMEZ funding, we will regrant over a million dollars to artists and organizations in support of hundreds of 2021 grantee projects and presentations that will emerge from and enrich every corner of Manhattan’s neighborhoods.

Through our Extended Life program, we continue to support choreographers’ careers and practices, providing them with critical rehearsal space and resources. Additionally in 2021, LMCC is proud to sponsor the research and development phase of the newly created CIPA, the Creative and Independent Producers Alliance. This alliance will address and uplift the needs of Creative Producers, arts workers who serve as vital connectors between artists and institutions, helping artists to realize their vision.

On the public programs front, we’re eagerly anticipating an inspiring season of free public exhibitions at the Arts Center at Governors Island and performances in our annual River To River Festival.

Collectively, we look forward to 2021, supporting artists and local communities in making space for one another, and to meeting soon in person again.

Looking forward to the important work with you all-

With warmest wishes,
Lili and Diego

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