Amid our manifold crises of space, housing, and climate instability, political debate is failing our nation as a means to productive communication and innovative solutions. Public well-being has been drastically affected by the constant stress of the 24-hour news cycle, and a sense of helplessness in the face of corrupt governmental leaders pervades many communities, especially as increasing hate crimes and climate change outcomes directly impact individual lives. Particularly for people of color or other marginalized populations, a fear of intolerance in the form of physical violence, job loss, imprisonment, or deportation is very real, and diminishes willingness to speak out.
In this context, projects that amplify silenced voices and challenge invisible injustices with collective power are vital to advancing a just and sustainable world. Therefore, we are creating “Habitat: Home,” a nationwide community-building project powered by art. Constructively responding to the civic and environmental crises fracturing our homes, local artists and residents across the country are co-creating and sharing artwork about ‘home’ as it relates to identity, place, and environment.
Join us in locations across the country for performances of multidisciplinary art exploring the many meanings of ‘home’ (or contact us here if you want to produce Habitat: Home in your town or city)! Bringing performers and audiences together, these programs feature pieces that intermingle music, poetry, theater, video, and/or dance in diverse styles unique to local artists. Our collaborative approach presents a vibrant and varied program that celebrates underrepresented voices and connects people through shared expression.
We believe “Habitat: Home” is important to positive culture and systems change because it puts respectful, open communication to work and generates empathy to shift American perspectives toward a culture of mutual understanding and responsibility. With a unifying, artistic base, we together create a unique and effective structure for community revitalization.
We encourage people to connect to each other and their planet by:
“Habitat: Home” is currently co-organized by Julia Barry, Dusty Francis, Dionne McClain-Freeney, Rev. Adriene Thorne, Jackson Thomas, and Leslee Wood, and presented by Julia Barry Productions with collaborative materials by Nautilus Music-Theater. “Habitat: Home” is funded in part by the New York Women Composers Seed Money Grant, Puffin West Foundation, The Pollination Project, and the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).
From Beata Moon, Composer Dear friends, I hope this finds you well. I’m pleased to share that I am now certified as a Climate Reality Leader trained by former US Vice President Al Gore and The Climate Reality Project. (Please reach out if you’d like for me to present about climate change at your organization/group.) You may … Read More
Habitat: Home New York City premiered just over a year ago. What are Habitat: Home artists up to now? Featured Artist Update from: Dionne McClain-Freeney, Composer & Habitat: Home Co-Organizer Recently, I taught a technical workshop called “Getting Your Gospel Groove on” for MAESTRA; have written for Oklahoma University of Science & The Arts, UC … Read More
Habitat: Home New York City premiered just over a year ago. What are Habitat: Home artists up to now? Featured Artist Update from: Esteban Suero aka EROS, Singer-Songwriter I’m very happy to share an exciting personal announcement with you: I just launched a crowdfunding campaign, which is raising funds to record my debut album with Producer … Read More
