Reflections from our director Lynn Neuman
There were many highlights at Artichoke Dance Company this year. Stand outs for me are programs that brought diverse groups of people together to learn, share, participate in art making and celebrate, such as our Global Water Dances workshops and performances integrating youth and adults into our work, our collaboration with area environmental organizations that created a traveling performance installation, our Ambassador program that convened artists working in different mediums to dig into their practices and gain skills and strategies in activism, community building and project development, and our EcoArts Festival that presented the work eco artists from around the globe.
As we are increasingly experiencing the real effects of climate change from record heat and drought to flash flooding and fires, coming together to collaborate, create community, demonstrate solutions and move together not only bolsters our spirits, it engages us in change making on-the-ground and in our lives. In these divisive political times where both the arts and science are being defunded and under attack, we need to be enacting and reinforcing our common humanity while honoring and celebrating our differences. It is diversity, after all, that creates sustainability and resilience.
15% of our budget comes from individual donations. As arts funding diminishes, we increasingly rely on your contribution to continue our engaging and empowering programs. If you have the means to do so, please contribute to our timely and impactful work.
Immersive Performance Tours of Gowanus this year focused on affordable housing
A few of the many things we accomplished in 2025
Entertained over 250,000 people with free public performances
Engaged over 1000 youth and adults in dance workshops and hands on making from upcycled materials
Supported 40 artists in the creation and presentation of their work
Mentored 10 interns in performing arts production and management
Graduated our 8th cohort of Artichoke Ambassadors
Our Global Water Dances crew of performers advocating for access to clean, safe water for all.
reflections from some Ambassadors
Here’s how your support helps
$35 subsidizes a performance tour ticket for low-income audiences
$100 sponsors a dancer in a rehearsal
$250 provides a scholarship to a disadvantaged Ambassador
$500 supports a free community workshop
$1000 sponsors an interactive experience at our EcoArts Festival
$2500 underwrites a free outdoor public performance
Dancers and participants in our collaboration with 350Brookyn that created a traveling performance installation in the Mermaid Parade titled “The Water is Rising and So Are We”.
Select highlights coming up in 2026
Performances at City Center: January 9 and 11
Ambassador Spring online module: March 21-April 18
Spring Creative Residency: April 3-13
Earth week performances in Riverside Park: April 25-26
Community hands on making workshops: May 30-June 14
Immersive Performance Tours: June 27-28
Ambassadors Summer Intensive: Dates TBA
Eco-Arts Festival: September 20-21