LMCC’s River To River Festival in the News
Thank you for joining LMCC at the 2019 River To River Festival!
From June 18-29, LMCC presents performances and events celebrating artistic and creative diversity in all its forms throughout Lower Manhattan. This year's festival encouraged the discovery of what arises when we all slow down.
Here are some highlights in the news!
"At the River To River Festival, the Art of Slowing Down"
The New York Times, June 26, 2019
NIC Kay in “pushit!!,” performed in Lower Manhattan as part of the River to River Festival. Credit: An Rong Xu for The New York Times
One of the beauties of the River to River Festival is that anyone can witness it, or most of it, even without intending to. Many of the performances, presented by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council free of charge, take place in outdoor public spaces — open to whoever might happen to be there.
"River To River dance festival — the dawn worked its miraculous transformations"
Financial Times, June 25, 2019
Jennifer Monson's 'ditch' at the River to River festival. Credit: Ian Douglas
They moved meditatively without, however, prompting much reflection, which may be the point. Monson, who has long adapted the modes of animal and nature for her choreography, has recently aimed for movement that deflects attention from itself to what is “adjacent to the human — just at the edge of our comprehension”. Like this evanescent illumination of sky.
"Asking Artists, What Do You Need?"
The New York Times, June 18, 2019
One of Yoko Ono’s pieces for the Reflection Project. Credit: Vincent Tullo for The New York Times
...it matters who is in charge. “What they do and how they do it is completely dependent on their interests,” said Sarah Michelson , an acclaimed choreographer who, as an Extended Life artist ... “I appreciate the space I have in the deepest possible way,” Ms. Michelson said, “but what’s important about Lili is that she’s not afraid to ask hard questions about what artists provide New York City and what New York City provides artists ... I feel I can be in partnership with her,” she added. “That is so rare.”
"Yoko Ono’s Refugee Boat Sparks Renewed Conversation About Immigration"
Hyperallergic, June 26, 2019
Yoko Ono, Add Color (Refugee Boat) (1960-2009) at the River to River Festival in New York. Credit: Hakim Bishara for Hyperallergic
“We’re all immigrants,” said Alena, a photo studio manager and an immigrant from Russia. Alena came to New York to pursue her master’s degree, then stayed, married, and had a child. “This city gave me life, and I gave it life back,” she said pointing at her son, who was doodling on the boat. Alena inscribed “I love you” in Russian on the floor."
"Protect the persecuted: behind Yoko Ono's impactful refugee art project"
The Guardian, June 21, 2019
Add Color (Refugee Boat), 2019. Credit: Ian Douglas.
“I can’t wait to see The Reflection Project transform lower Manhattan with my artworks,” said Ono. “I hope they make busy New Yorkers stop rushing through their day to ‘Imagine Peace,’ ‘Remember Love’ and ‘Dream.’ ...
“Addendum from Yoko,” she writes at the end of the interview. “As I write to you, pigeons are flying over the park. We are sharing this world, and I like that.”