The annual Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) conference is convening this weekend January 10-14 in New York City, drawing members of the arts community from around the globe, and offering performances and events open to the public. This year, APAP is hosting a number of Native led discussions and performances including Perceptions of Indigenous Performance – We Have Evolved moderated by Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) President/CEO Lulani Arquette. The panel, scheduled for Sunday January 12, will discuss how Indigenous artists draw from cultural knowledge and lived experiences to shape their work. Interweaving past practices and ancient learning with new curation and choreography creates layered work that can no longer be labeled traditional or contemporary. Join this session to explore perceptions, language and new ways to think about Indigenous performance.
Opportunities such as the annual APAP|NYC conference provide a platform for those working in performing arts to engage in cultural, artistic and professional discussions that leverage resources to meet the needs of Indigenous artists, representing their respective communities and the issues that affect us all globally. APAP is a national service, membership and advocacy organization dedicated to developing and supporting the performing arts field and the professionals who work within it. As a leader in the field, APAP works to effect change through advocacy, professional development, resource sharing and civic engagement.
Performances & Other Events:
Reflections of Native Voices
January 7 – 19
NACF is excited to be able to provide support for the Safe Harbors Indigenous Collective’s Native theater festival, Reflections of Native Voices, which will take place in New York City January 7 – January 19, 2020, coinciding with the Annual Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) conference. The festival will feature Native playwrights, actors, producers, directors, and song-makers at three locations: LaMaMa Experimental Theater; New York Theater Workshop and Carriage House Annex.
Kinstillatory Mapping in Light and Dark Matter
January 9
A fire-side gathering on the Lower East Side in the amphitheater at Abrons Arts Center. Hosted by Emily Johnson/Catalyst.
Knowledge of Wounds
January 11 – 12
Tickets to Knowledge of Wounds (all performances, conversations, and workshops) are FREE for First Nations folx. If you would like to attend, please be sure to reserve your tickets to guarantee entry. Please note, limited tickets are available, and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Knowledge of Wounds is the second annual iteration of a series of Indigenous-led readings, meetings, discussions and performances.
Christopher K. Morgan & Artists
January 11 & 12
Native intelligence / Innate Intelligence is a dance performance incorporating modern dance, hula, Hawaiian chant, and live music to examine home and belonging.
APAP 2020 Conference Panels:
Creative Residencies for the Indigenous Artist Forum
Room: Hilton 4th Floor, New York Suite – Friday, January 10, 2020: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
This session will discuss how to build, curate and experience effective trans-cultural artist residencies for and with Indigenous artists. The conversation will be framed by the work of Native Artists Residencies, the Alliance of Artists Communities, the National Institute of Indigenous People in Mexico City and others. This roundtable discussion will explore the structure of effective residencies, the importance of community partnerships, and ways to leverage resources to meet Indigenous artists’ needs in North America and internationally.
How to Conduct Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
Room: Hilton Concourse Level, Concourse A – Saturday, January 11, 2020: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
This focused session is designed to help presenters learn how and why to perform land acknowledgments and follow Indigenous protocol at their venues and events. Participants will leave with resources and guidance on incorporating this practice into their local work and connecting with local and regional resources to support these efforts. Moderated by Reuben Roqueñi, NACF Director of National Artist Fellowships.
Native 101: Navigating the World of Presenting Indigenous Artists
Room: Hilton Concourse Level, Concourse A – Saturday, January 11, 2020: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
This session will demystify cultural protocols and present a practical guide of tips and resources for building relationships with your local Native community. You’ll also learn new ways to frame Indigenous performance as an embodiment of living, evolving cultures within the business of artist representation, touring and presenting.
Perceptions of Indigenous Performance–We Have Evolved
Room: Hilton Concourse Level, Concourse A – Sunday, January 12, 2020: 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Indigenous artists are working from cultural knowledge and lived experience that is shaping the creation of their work. The labels of traditional and contemporary are no longer relevant. There is an interweaving of past practices and ancient learning with new curation and choreography that is producing layered evolutions of indigenous work. In this session, we’ll explore perceptions, language and new ways to think about Indigenous performance.
For a detailed schedule of events visit the conference website.