Mission: The Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival (BAIDDF) is an annual event produced by Urban Jazz Dance company that consists of performances and workshops that highlight the important contributions that Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) artists make to our community.
Want to participate as performer or want to help?
Please Contact us
Artistic Director:
Mr. Antoine Hunter
Assistant Director:
Ms. Zahna Simon
Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival
Virtual 2020
Not to be missed,
8th Annual Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival
features local Bay Area talent and will be flying artists into your virtual space from India, Columbia, Venezuela, Mexico, Washington, DC, Arkansas, New York, and many parts of California, and more!
We are proud to feature diverse sign languages including,
but not limited to:
Columbian Sign Language, American Sign Language, Spanish Sign Language, and
International Sign Language.
Access Information for All Shows:
•ASL/English interpretation at each show
•Deaf International Sign Language interpretation
•CART captioning (English)
Sunday Only:
•Audio Description
For Blind and Low vision communities: Once you register for your ticket in EventBrite, please email [email protected] to inform us of your access needs and your full name. We will then email you the zoom link. We will be opening our zoom room at 4:30 PM(PST) for the pre-show tour and to connect you with our audio describer for the evening.
Please help spread the word by sharing this event widely!
8th Annual Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival
features local Bay Area talent and will be flying artists into your virtual space from India, Columbia, Venezuela, Mexico, Washington, DC, Arkansas, New York, and many parts of California, and more!
We are proud to feature diverse sign languages including,
but not limited to:
Columbian Sign Language, American Sign Language, Spanish Sign Language, and
International Sign Language.
Access Information for All Shows:
•ASL/English interpretation at each show
•Deaf International Sign Language interpretation
•CART captioning (English)
Sunday Only:
•Audio Description
For Blind and Low vision communities: Once you register for your ticket in EventBrite, please email [email protected] to inform us of your access needs and your full name. We will then email you the zoom link. We will be opening our zoom room at 4:30 PM(PST) for the pre-show tour and to connect you with our audio describer for the evening.
Please help spread the word by sharing this event widely!
Where:
HERE
on
our website with a private link.
Date and Time:
Fri, Aug 14 - 6:00pm
Sat, Aug 15th- 6:00pm
*Sun, Aug 16th- 5pm ( There will be a different program for the family friendly matinee)
Price:
$0-15
Link coming soon!!
Youth (under 16) Ask your parent permission!!
Fri, Aug 14 - 6:00pm
Sat, Aug 15th- 6:00pm
*Sun, Aug 16th- 5pm ( There will be a different program for the family friendly matinee)
Price:
$0-15
Link coming soon!!
Youth (under 16) Ask your parent permission!!
Watch Ms. Zahna Simon explain our festival in ASL
Antoine Hunter PurpleFireCrow Director of festival
The Director's notes:
During the beginning of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) we notice Deaf people did not have access to same information on what was going on until at least 3 weeks later than hearing communities.
When the pandemic began, government officials began holding daily press briefings to update the public on television and online. Interpreters were not present for Deaf Communities and even when they were provided they were often unqualified and unable to communicate effectively. We understand what it like to be left out so therefore we will do our best to make sure no one feel left out!
As founder of Bay Area International Deaf dance festival -
My dance company lost over 30 thousand dollars worth of opportunity, to give to our dances, business, and community.
We had not give given up.
2020 is hard but please join us for an amazing event!
We are bringing our heart and passion and making it virtual for all to join us!
We love you communities!!!
-Antoine Hunter/PurpleFireCrow
During the beginning of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) we notice Deaf people did not have access to same information on what was going on until at least 3 weeks later than hearing communities.
When the pandemic began, government officials began holding daily press briefings to update the public on television and online. Interpreters were not present for Deaf Communities and even when they were provided they were often unqualified and unable to communicate effectively. We understand what it like to be left out so therefore we will do our best to make sure no one feel left out!
As founder of Bay Area International Deaf dance festival -
My dance company lost over 30 thousand dollars worth of opportunity, to give to our dances, business, and community.
We had not give given up.
2020 is hard but please join us for an amazing event!
We are bringing our heart and passion and making it virtual for all to join us!
We love you communities!!!
-Antoine Hunter/PurpleFireCrow
Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival WorkShops
ALL Dance Workshop will be held here on UJDC's website and UJDC's Facebook live
Aug 14th to 16th (10AM to 12pm PST)
Open to both Deaf and Hearing!
All Level signer are welcome Beginner signer to Fluent Signer.
Everyone is welcome!
3 Different Day Dance Workshop
We will send you web link 2 hours before the workshop
Aug 14th to 16th (10AM to 12pm PST)
Open to both Deaf and Hearing!
All Level signer are welcome Beginner signer to Fluent Signer.
Everyone is welcome!
3 Different Day Dance Workshop
We will send you web link 2 hours before the workshop
WorkShop Day one:
DANCE BY HEART WITH TUNE OF INDIAN CLASSICAL AND FOLK MUSIC
Friday August 14th 10 AM-11 AM (PST)
and
Introduction to Flamenco
Friday August 14th 11 AM-12 PM (PST)
Workshop one:
DANCE BY HEART WITH TUNE OF INDIAN CLASSICAL AND FOLK MUSIC
Friday August 14th 10 AM-11 AM (PST)
Taught by: Shruti Kelkar and Medha Divekar (India)
Description:-We will explore INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE KATHAK and also FOLK DANCES OF INDIA like TARPA, GHUMAR, BHANGRA etc.
Workshop Two:
Introduction to Flamenco
Friday August 14th 11 AM-12 PM (PST)
Taught by: Irit Specktor (California)
Description: What is flamenco? We will be covering basic footwork, basic arms and hands, exploring the rhythm of flamenco tangos and discussing other flamenco rhythms.
Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists is made possible with generous
funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Flyer with a black background and yellow bolded text.
Across the top “THE 8TH ANNUAL BAY AREA INTERNATIONAL DEAF DANCE FESTIVAL”
The sign interpreter logo appears on the left followed by yellow text “ COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS DAY 1: FRIDAY AUGUST 14” The closed captioning logo appears on the right.
Below is yellow text on the left “10-11 AM PST
DANCE BY HEART
WITH TUNE OF INDIAN CLASSICAL AND FOLK MUSIC”
Image directly below of an Indian folk dance class in a wooden floor auditorium type room with a slight raised stage and red curtains. There are two presenting females facing 3 youth students and 1 adult. All are wearing traditional Indian attire.
Yellow text directly below “SHRUTI KELKAR and MEDHA DIVEKAR (INDIA)”
On the right is yellow text “11 AM-12 PM PST
INTRODUCTION TO FLAMENCO”
Image directly below is a picture enclosed in 2 vertical white thick lines of a Blonde dancer with a pink rose in her hair. On her shoulders is a black silk shawl (mantón) with bright yellow embroidery.
Yellow text directly below “IRIT SPECKTOR (USA)”
On the bottom of the flyer is the FB Live logo and yellow text “WWW.REALURBANJAZZDANCE.COM | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/URBANJAZZDANCE | BAIDDF2020”
END IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
DANCE BY HEART WITH TUNE OF INDIAN CLASSICAL AND FOLK MUSIC
Friday August 14th 10 AM-11 AM (PST)
Taught by: Shruti Kelkar and Medha Divekar (India)
Description:-We will explore INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE KATHAK and also FOLK DANCES OF INDIA like TARPA, GHUMAR, BHANGRA etc.
Workshop Two:
Introduction to Flamenco
Friday August 14th 11 AM-12 PM (PST)
Taught by: Irit Specktor (California)
Description: What is flamenco? We will be covering basic footwork, basic arms and hands, exploring the rhythm of flamenco tangos and discussing other flamenco rhythms.
Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists is made possible with generous
funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Flyer with a black background and yellow bolded text.
Across the top “THE 8TH ANNUAL BAY AREA INTERNATIONAL DEAF DANCE FESTIVAL”
The sign interpreter logo appears on the left followed by yellow text “ COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS DAY 1: FRIDAY AUGUST 14” The closed captioning logo appears on the right.
Below is yellow text on the left “10-11 AM PST
DANCE BY HEART
WITH TUNE OF INDIAN CLASSICAL AND FOLK MUSIC”
Image directly below of an Indian folk dance class in a wooden floor auditorium type room with a slight raised stage and red curtains. There are two presenting females facing 3 youth students and 1 adult. All are wearing traditional Indian attire.
Yellow text directly below “SHRUTI KELKAR and MEDHA DIVEKAR (INDIA)”
On the right is yellow text “11 AM-12 PM PST
INTRODUCTION TO FLAMENCO”
Image directly below is a picture enclosed in 2 vertical white thick lines of a Blonde dancer with a pink rose in her hair. On her shoulders is a black silk shawl (mantón) with bright yellow embroidery.
Yellow text directly below “IRIT SPECKTOR (USA)”
On the bottom of the flyer is the FB Live logo and yellow text “WWW.REALURBANJAZZDANCE.COM | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/URBANJAZZDANCE | BAIDDF2020”
END IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
WorkShop Day Two:
Cumbia Dance
Saturday August 15th 10 AM-11 AM (PST)
and
Modern Dance
Saturday August 15th 11 AM-12 PM (PST)
Workshop Three:
Cumbia Dance
Saturday August 15th 10 AM-11 AM (PST)
Taught by: Carlos Ortega Ospino (Colombia)
Description: This is your opportunity to learn Cumbia, a traditional folk dance from Colombia. We will be exploring dance movements, the steps and the process to successfully mastering Cumbia Dance!
Workshop Four:
Modern Dance
Saturday August 15th 11 AM-12 PM (PST)
Taught by: Brandy “Unique the Deaf Dancer” Mimms (Arkansas)
Description: This workshop will utilize modern dance styles that focus on a dancer’s own interpretation instead of structured steps.
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Flyer with a black background and yellow bolded text.
Across the top “THE 8TH ANNUAL BAY AREA INTERNATIONAL DEAF DANCE FESTIVAL”
The sign interpreter logo appears on the left followed by yellow text “ COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS DAY 2: SATURDAY AUGUST 15” The closed captioning logo appears on the right.
Below is yellow text on the left “10-11 AM PST
CUMBIA DANCE”
Image directly below of an Latinx presenting person wearing a long black sleeve shirt and arms crossed. He has a mustache, black hair and is smiling.
Yellow text directly below “WITH CARLOS ORTEGA OSPINO (COLOMBIA)”
On the right is yellow text “11 AM-12 PM PST
MODERN DANCE”
Image directly below is a picture of an African American woman with long red braids with her head tilt to the left wearing a black leotard.
Yellow text directly below “WITH BRANDY MIMMS OF LISTEN WITH YOUR EYES DANCE TROUPE (USA)”
On the bottom of the flyer is the FB Live logo and yellow text “WWW.REALURBANJAZZDANCE.COM | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/URBANJAZZDANCE | BAIDDF2020”
END IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
Cumbia Dance
Saturday August 15th 10 AM-11 AM (PST)
Taught by: Carlos Ortega Ospino (Colombia)
Description: This is your opportunity to learn Cumbia, a traditional folk dance from Colombia. We will be exploring dance movements, the steps and the process to successfully mastering Cumbia Dance!
Workshop Four:
Modern Dance
Saturday August 15th 11 AM-12 PM (PST)
Taught by: Brandy “Unique the Deaf Dancer” Mimms (Arkansas)
Description: This workshop will utilize modern dance styles that focus on a dancer’s own interpretation instead of structured steps.
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Flyer with a black background and yellow bolded text.
Across the top “THE 8TH ANNUAL BAY AREA INTERNATIONAL DEAF DANCE FESTIVAL”
The sign interpreter logo appears on the left followed by yellow text “ COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS DAY 2: SATURDAY AUGUST 15” The closed captioning logo appears on the right.
Below is yellow text on the left “10-11 AM PST
CUMBIA DANCE”
Image directly below of an Latinx presenting person wearing a long black sleeve shirt and arms crossed. He has a mustache, black hair and is smiling.
Yellow text directly below “WITH CARLOS ORTEGA OSPINO (COLOMBIA)”
On the right is yellow text “11 AM-12 PM PST
MODERN DANCE”
Image directly below is a picture of an African American woman with long red braids with her head tilt to the left wearing a black leotard.
Yellow text directly below “WITH BRANDY MIMMS OF LISTEN WITH YOUR EYES DANCE TROUPE (USA)”
On the bottom of the flyer is the FB Live logo and yellow text “WWW.REALURBANJAZZDANCE.COM | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/URBANJAZZDANCE | BAIDDF2020”
END IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
WorkShop Day Three:
Beginning Contemporary Ballet
Sunday August 16th 10 AM-11 AM (PST)
Jazz
Sunday August 16th 11 AM-12 PM (PST)
and
Workshop Seven: Conexion eficaz: Cuerpo, Señas y Movimientos/Effective connection: Body, Signs and Movements
Sunday August 16th 12 PM-1 PM (PST)
Workshop Five: Beginning Contemporary Ballet
Sunday August 16th 10 AM-11 AM (PST)
Taught by: Samantha Figgins (New York)
Description: This Beginner Contemporary Ballet class will allow students of all ages to explore how to use movement as a means of communication. We will spend time creating space in the body for students to step into themselves, hear and understand their energy and practice moving that energy with clarity, intention and efficiency through phrase work. We will stretch our minds and bodies in order to find expansive freedom and joy so that we can take that energy into the world and be a walking example of love.
Description: Take Jazz with Lark! Corporating traditional jazz technique with hip hop accents, follow along and learn a jazz combo choreographed by Lark.
Taught by: Deynis Luque (Venezuela)
Description: From the perspective of integration, we can create a valuable relationship between the body and Sign Language, specifically for its communicative and gestural possibilities. Starting from the fluidity of a creative process that turns signs from your hands into an extension of the body. capable of transforming it. Your Deaf Culture is used as a stage element for contemporary dance.
(SPANISH) Desde la perspectiva de la integración podemos crear una valiosa relación entre el cuerpo y la Lengua de Señas, específicamente por sus posibilidades comunicativas y gestuales, partiendo desde la fluidez de un proceso creativo que convierte a las señas desde tus manos, en una extensión del cuerpo capaz de transformarlo. Tu Cultura Sorda empleada como elemento escénico para la danza contemporánea.
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Flyer with a black background and yellow bolded text.
Across the top “THE 8TH ANNUAL BAY AREA INTERNATIONAL DEAF DANCE FESTIVAL”
The sign interpreter logo appears on the left followed by yellow text “ COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS DAY 3: SUNDAY AUGUST 16” The closed captioning logo appears on the right.
Below is yellow text on the left “10-11 AM PST
BEGINNING CONTEMPORARY BALLET”
Image directly below of a young Black woman wearing a sky blue sweater hugs herself and smiles bright.
Yellow text directly below “WITH SAMANTHA FIGGINS
OF ALVIN AILEY DANCE COMPANY (USA)”
In the middle is yellow text “11 AM-12 PM PST
JAZZ: “TAKE JAZZ WITH LARK”
Image below of a young nonbinary person in a grey and navy blue leotard stands against the sky (saturated blue) background and a beige wall. The person is light skinned, has blonde hair, and looks back at the camera with a smile.
Yellow text directly below “WITH LARK DETWEILER
(USA)”
On the right is yellow text “12-1 PM PST
EFFECTIVE CONNECTION:
BODY, SIGNS & MOVEMENT”
Image directly below is a cropped picture of an Latinx presenting person wearing a black tank top, right fist is under their chin.
Yellow text directly below “WITH DEYNIS LUQUE
(VENEZUELA)”
On the bottom of the flyer is the FB Live logo and yellow text “WWW.REALURBANJAZZDANCE.COM | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/URBANJAZZDANCE | BAIDDF2020”
END IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
Sunday August 16th 10 AM-11 AM (PST)
Taught by: Samantha Figgins (New York)
Description: This Beginner Contemporary Ballet class will allow students of all ages to explore how to use movement as a means of communication. We will spend time creating space in the body for students to step into themselves, hear and understand their energy and practice moving that energy with clarity, intention and efficiency through phrase work. We will stretch our minds and bodies in order to find expansive freedom and joy so that we can take that energy into the world and be a walking example of love.
- Workshop Six: Jazz Funk
Sunday August 16th 11 AM-12 PM (PST)
Taught by: Lark Detweiler (California)
Description: Take Jazz with Lark! Corporating traditional jazz technique with hip hop accents, follow along and learn a jazz combo choreographed by Lark.
- Workshop Seven: Conexion eficaz: Cuerpo, Señas y Movimientos/Effective connection: Body, Signs and Movements
Taught by: Deynis Luque (Venezuela)
Description: From the perspective of integration, we can create a valuable relationship between the body and Sign Language, specifically for its communicative and gestural possibilities. Starting from the fluidity of a creative process that turns signs from your hands into an extension of the body. capable of transforming it. Your Deaf Culture is used as a stage element for contemporary dance.
(SPANISH) Desde la perspectiva de la integración podemos crear una valiosa relación entre el cuerpo y la Lengua de Señas, específicamente por sus posibilidades comunicativas y gestuales, partiendo desde la fluidez de un proceso creativo que convierte a las señas desde tus manos, en una extensión del cuerpo capaz de transformarlo. Tu Cultura Sorda empleada como elemento escénico para la danza contemporánea.
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Flyer with a black background and yellow bolded text.
Across the top “THE 8TH ANNUAL BAY AREA INTERNATIONAL DEAF DANCE FESTIVAL”
The sign interpreter logo appears on the left followed by yellow text “ COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS DAY 3: SUNDAY AUGUST 16” The closed captioning logo appears on the right.
Below is yellow text on the left “10-11 AM PST
BEGINNING CONTEMPORARY BALLET”
Image directly below of a young Black woman wearing a sky blue sweater hugs herself and smiles bright.
Yellow text directly below “WITH SAMANTHA FIGGINS
OF ALVIN AILEY DANCE COMPANY (USA)”
In the middle is yellow text “11 AM-12 PM PST
JAZZ: “TAKE JAZZ WITH LARK”
Image below of a young nonbinary person in a grey and navy blue leotard stands against the sky (saturated blue) background and a beige wall. The person is light skinned, has blonde hair, and looks back at the camera with a smile.
Yellow text directly below “WITH LARK DETWEILER
(USA)”
On the right is yellow text “12-1 PM PST
EFFECTIVE CONNECTION:
BODY, SIGNS & MOVEMENT”
Image directly below is a cropped picture of an Latinx presenting person wearing a black tank top, right fist is under their chin.
Yellow text directly below “WITH DEYNIS LUQUE
(VENEZUELA)”
On the bottom of the flyer is the FB Live logo and yellow text “WWW.REALURBANJAZZDANCE.COM | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/URBANJAZZDANCE | BAIDDF2020”
END IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
“This activity was supported in part by the Walter & Elise Haas Fund, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, the Zellerbach Family Foundation and the National Arts and Disability Center at the University of California Los Angeles and Ability Central.”
Note: Very possible to perform for Deaf dance festival after the workshop if interested.
Note: Very possible to perform for Deaf dance festival after the workshop if interested.
What kind of dance?
We’re excited to provide Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, ASL DANCE, and more different types of dance classes taught by International,
These workshops will be taught for both Youth and Adult participants
Virtual online.
Who will be teaching?
Fliers with MORE Information coming soon
YES WE ARE EXCITED JUST LIKE YOU!
GET READY TO DANCE!
We’re excited to provide Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, ASL DANCE, and more different types of dance classes taught by International,
These workshops will be taught for both Youth and Adult participants
Virtual online.
Who will be teaching?
Fliers with MORE Information coming soon
YES WE ARE EXCITED JUST LIKE YOU!
GET READY TO DANCE!
Intersection for the Arts is the fiscal sponsor for
Urban Jazz Dance Company’s Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival. Visit: https://www.theintersection.org/
!!!Save the Date!!!
!!!Save the Date!!!
SOMArts 2020-2021
Curatorial Residents inspire action beyond the gallery walls
Wednesday, June 24, San Francisco, CA–SOMArts Cultural Center is excited to announce the eleventh season of the Curatorial Residency program. Designed to offer emerging to established curators tools to further their curatorial practice and explore timely social issues, SOMArts’ Curatorial Residents have transformed our large scale exhibition space into a site of collaborative creation and innovation for over 10 years.
Awarded through an open submission process, this unique program is a year-long incubator for curatorial research, mentorship, planning, and realization. SOMArts Curatorial Residency recipients receive the following support: a month-long exhibition with accompanying public programming, a project grant, and 9-months of planning and technical support, outreach assistance and professional mentorship provided by SOMArts’ staff.
The Curatorial Residents create multi-faceted exhibitions focused on local, national, and global concerns in one of San Francisco’s most recognizable gallery spaces. Bay Area Deaf Arts launches the Residency season in January 2021 with curator Antoine Hunter honoring the cultural creative practices rooted in the Deaf community. Fátima Ramírez, Josué Rojas, & Mauricio Ramírez’s multidisciplinary exhibition CARAVANA: Mobilizing Central American Art (1984–Present)examine the issues and political actions that directly impact the Central American community. Mother’s Bosom curated by Duygu Gün and Bengu Gün closes out the 2020-2021 Curatorial Residency season, exploring how lullabies embed cultural memory, norms, and identity.
“In these uncertain times, the 2020–2021 Curatorial Residencies exemplify San Francisco’s creative radical legacy, inviting us to take what we learn within the gallery space to implement collective social action. It’s an honor to work alongside this year’s cohort and witness their curatorial proposals become reality to help us to understand the critical moment we are in,” shares Maria Jenson, SOMArts’ Creative & Executive Director.
The following residencies will each culminate in a month-long exhibition and are integral to SOMArts’ exhibition programming in 2020–2021:
Bay Area Deaf Arts
Curated by Antoine Hunter
Opening Reception: Thursday, January 14, 2021, 6-9pm
Exhibition Run: Friday, January 15–Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Bay Area Deaf Arts celebrate and center the art forms and cultural expression historically rooted in the Deaf community, raising Deaf awareness in non-Deaf populations, and inviting collaboration between Hearing and Deaf artists. Curated by renowned Producers and activist Antoine Hunter, this exhibition asks us: Where are the voices of Deaf and Deaf people of color? What truths are we willing to listen to?
CARAVANA: Mobilizing Central American Art (1984–Present)
Curated by Fátima Ramírez, Josué Rojas, & Mauricio Ramírez
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 11, 2021, 6–9pm
Exhibition Run: Friday, March 12–Tuesday, April 20, 2021
A multidisciplinary intergenerational exhibit, CARAVANA: Mobilizing Central American Art (1984–Present) invites Central American and other artists from across the country to explore the impact of mass migration, family separation, and San Francisco’s legacy of political action and solidarity with Central America.
Mother’s Bosom
Curated by Duygu Gün and Bengu Gün
Opening Reception: Thursday, July 15, 2021
Exhibition run: Friday, July 16–Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Mother’s Bosom generates conversations on identity and gender roles while exploring how lullabies are used as transmitters of cultural memory. This exhibition highlights how cultural norms are formed and induced within a society and how cultural identity is cemented through birth.
###
ABOUT SOMARTS CULTURAL CENTER
SOMArts Cultural Center, founded in 1979, cultivates access to the arts within the Bay Area by collaborating with community-focused artists and organizations. Together, we engage the power of the arts to provoke just and fair inclusion, cultural respect and civic participation.
SOMArts plays a vital role in the arts ecosystem by helping activate the arts citywide. We do this by providing space and production support for non-profit events, as well as fairs and festivals throughout the Bay Area, and offering a robust program of art exhibitions, classes, events and performances that are affordable and accessible to all. SOMArts’ exhibition programs receive critical support from the San Francisco Arts Commission and San Francisco Foundation and are sponsored in part by a grant from Grants for the Arts.
SOMArts is located at 934 Brannan Street—between 8th and 9th—within 2 blocks of 101, I-80, Muni lines, and bike paths.
For public information call 415-863-1414 or visit somarts.org. Stay connected by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Awarded through an open submission process, this unique program is a year-long incubator for curatorial research, mentorship, planning, and realization. SOMArts Curatorial Residency recipients receive the following support: a month-long exhibition with accompanying public programming, a project grant, and 9-months of planning and technical support, outreach assistance and professional mentorship provided by SOMArts’ staff.
The Curatorial Residents create multi-faceted exhibitions focused on local, national, and global concerns in one of San Francisco’s most recognizable gallery spaces. Bay Area Deaf Arts launches the Residency season in January 2021 with curator Antoine Hunter honoring the cultural creative practices rooted in the Deaf community. Fátima Ramírez, Josué Rojas, & Mauricio Ramírez’s multidisciplinary exhibition CARAVANA: Mobilizing Central American Art (1984–Present)examine the issues and political actions that directly impact the Central American community. Mother’s Bosom curated by Duygu Gün and Bengu Gün closes out the 2020-2021 Curatorial Residency season, exploring how lullabies embed cultural memory, norms, and identity.
“In these uncertain times, the 2020–2021 Curatorial Residencies exemplify San Francisco’s creative radical legacy, inviting us to take what we learn within the gallery space to implement collective social action. It’s an honor to work alongside this year’s cohort and witness their curatorial proposals become reality to help us to understand the critical moment we are in,” shares Maria Jenson, SOMArts’ Creative & Executive Director.
The following residencies will each culminate in a month-long exhibition and are integral to SOMArts’ exhibition programming in 2020–2021:
Bay Area Deaf Arts
Curated by Antoine Hunter
Opening Reception: Thursday, January 14, 2021, 6-9pm
Exhibition Run: Friday, January 15–Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Bay Area Deaf Arts celebrate and center the art forms and cultural expression historically rooted in the Deaf community, raising Deaf awareness in non-Deaf populations, and inviting collaboration between Hearing and Deaf artists. Curated by renowned Producers and activist Antoine Hunter, this exhibition asks us: Where are the voices of Deaf and Deaf people of color? What truths are we willing to listen to?
CARAVANA: Mobilizing Central American Art (1984–Present)
Curated by Fátima Ramírez, Josué Rojas, & Mauricio Ramírez
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 11, 2021, 6–9pm
Exhibition Run: Friday, March 12–Tuesday, April 20, 2021
A multidisciplinary intergenerational exhibit, CARAVANA: Mobilizing Central American Art (1984–Present) invites Central American and other artists from across the country to explore the impact of mass migration, family separation, and San Francisco’s legacy of political action and solidarity with Central America.
Mother’s Bosom
Curated by Duygu Gün and Bengu Gün
Opening Reception: Thursday, July 15, 2021
Exhibition run: Friday, July 16–Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Mother’s Bosom generates conversations on identity and gender roles while exploring how lullabies are used as transmitters of cultural memory. This exhibition highlights how cultural norms are formed and induced within a society and how cultural identity is cemented through birth.
###
ABOUT SOMARTS CULTURAL CENTER
SOMArts Cultural Center, founded in 1979, cultivates access to the arts within the Bay Area by collaborating with community-focused artists and organizations. Together, we engage the power of the arts to provoke just and fair inclusion, cultural respect and civic participation.
SOMArts plays a vital role in the arts ecosystem by helping activate the arts citywide. We do this by providing space and production support for non-profit events, as well as fairs and festivals throughout the Bay Area, and offering a robust program of art exhibitions, classes, events and performances that are affordable and accessible to all. SOMArts’ exhibition programs receive critical support from the San Francisco Arts Commission and San Francisco Foundation and are sponsored in part by a grant from Grants for the Arts.
SOMArts is located at 934 Brannan Street—between 8th and 9th—within 2 blocks of 101, I-80, Muni lines, and bike paths.
For public information call 415-863-1414 or visit somarts.org. Stay connected by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
