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The 2022 EMERGE: Arts Showcase

See the produced film works of the EMERGE Artist Cohort: Akoiya Harris, Abdiel Jacobsen, Zara Martina Lopez, Stephanie Nam, and Sienna Williams + Brea Wilson.

This film screening is FREE but requires an RSVP.

The Emerge Arts Cohort and Showcase is a film creation program for BIPOC LGBTQ+ performing artists that offers production support, artistic mentorship, and business and sustainability training. Five artists were selected through an open application process by a curating council of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ established artists in Seattle. Selected artists received mentorship and support to create a film translation of their live work, and a platform to share their work in a fully-produced, in-person showcase at Northwest Film Forum.

Along the way the curating council acted as mentors to the participating artists, supporting them through a series of artistic workshops designed by and for BIPOC LGBTQ+ artists. The workshops addressed systems that prevent art from being created and accessed socially, economically, and mentally. In addition to this artistic mentorship, artists received support navigating barriers to social determinants of health from trained resource specialists.

Each selected artist was a stipend to participate in the program, the goal of which was to holistically aid aspiring artists through educational and financial means, while providing access to tools and resources to help them best succeed.

Emerge is a partnership between Velocity Dance Center and Gay City, with community partner Northwest Film Forum. This program is funded by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, 4Culture, Seattle PRIDE Foundation, ArtsFund and The Transgender Economic Empowerment Coalition.

About Velocity Dance Center:
Velocity is Seattles center dedicated to contemporary dance, and an essential incubator for new dance in our region. With artist-driven, community-responsive programming, Velocity provides vital resources and advocacy for one of the most active dance communities in the nation. Velocitys programming includes classes, workshops, residencies, performances, discussions, and two annual international festivals.