3 Ways to Prepare for the Artistic Congress

3 Ways to Get Ready For Artistic Congress!

We believe theatre is essential for a thriving democracy

Definition: con·gress /ˈkäNGɡrəs/ the action of coming together.

1. In 2020, we held our first Artistic Congress just prior to that pivotal election. Watch these inspirational Love Letters to the American Theatre by playwrights and activists Dominique Morriseau and Luis Alfaro. Their work exists at the intersection of arts and civic engagement and shows us all how we can use our creativity for good in our communities.
2. Speaking of civic engagement, we have the nationally renowned Michael Rohd coming to the Congress to work closely with our artists, community partners and attendees in acts of “Civic Imagination.” He has created Civic Scores – which use theatrical tools- text, music, movement- and combines them with engagement strategies- facilitation, instruction, invitation- to offer a new participation dramaturgy for public events, and help community members have public dialogues in creative, joyful, productive ways. Michael writes, “Civic Scores invite artists to not just imagine worlds of possibility on stage, but to imagine staging possibilities out in the world.” Read up on Civic Scores here! Stay tuned for our announcements highlighting which artists will be working closely with Michael to create scores for this Congress.
3. Get ready to gather with neighbors who truly care about the cultural vibrancy of our communities, the health and wellness of our cities, and want to think expansively about what could be and what the future could look like if we enliven it together. Get ready to be inspired. Get ready to get out the vote. Get ready to use tools of creativity to nourish wherever you live. Visit New Haven for this special weekend of events – we promise we’ll provide the pizza! It’s time to gather with us at the 2024 Artistic Congress.