The Arts Wing @ Maya
A Proposal
Arts Education Community Building
Performances
Drafted
by Shawn Short, MFA
Table of Contents
Proposal Letter - Pg. 1
The Arts & Ward 7: An Overview - Pg. 4
Ward 7: Need for Space - Pg. 5
Space Layout - Pg. 6
Configuration - Pg. 9
Cover Image Credits (Top to Bottom): Lifepieces to Masterpieces
UMD Black Theatre Symposium
Ngoma Center for Dance
November 8th, 2017
Ngoma Center for Dance
1026 45th St NE, Suite 201
Washington, DC 20019
RE: The Arts Wing @ Maya Angelou Charter School
Dear Mr. Charles “Chuck” Jackson, and Mrs. Leah Lamb:
The arts are a valuable contributor to a community’s identity, economic vitality and quality of life. When we talk about building and creating sustainable spaces for the arts, it is only possible when we have art-supporters. It is widely recognized that the arts unite us in our similarities and celebrate our difference. With limited funding still not available to many arts non-profit organizations, today’s arts landscape brings with it escalating costs and cutbacks that challenge its existence.
“The Arts Wing @ Maya” will be a gem to the surrounding and nearby communities. In addition, its location makes it advantageous to Prince George’s County Maryland residents, diversifying potential audiences within anticipated programs; bringing revenue to Washington, DC’s autonomous creative economy.
This proposal is to discuss the possibilities of the two floors slated to be renovated for anchor and community affiliate organizations.
It is with great understanding that this development project will take planning and implementation. As an arts organization in Ward 7, I’m excited and humbled to have our voice heard at the table. I hope this proposal aids in the success of the arts wing nestled in Maya Angelou’s learning campus.
We rise,
Shawn Short, MFA
Ngoma Center for Dance/Dissonance Dance Theatre Founder/CEO
1.
2.
The arts reach out and touch individuals, and group of people who would not enter into community activities through any other route. The arts are both “an economic developer” and a “promoter of community”.
- Ellen Bozman, Former Chair
Arlington
County Board
Dissonance Dance Theatre in company class with Founder Shawn Short
3.
The Arts and Ward 7: An Overview
Arts in DC
American for the Arts’s 2015 Creative Industries report states that DC’s arts and humanities sector is comprised of 2,467 businesses with approximately 23,000 employees; five percent of all DC business; 2.4 percent of all employees; 952 are performing and visual arts businesses. Furthermore, there are 683 city-wide arts entities (organizations and individual artists); 72 arts entities reside East of the River (DCCAH Annual Report, 2015). In 2012, DC’s arts and heritage sector generated $455 million in expenditures. The arts matter.
Welcome to Ward 7
Ward 7 holds some of the oldest communities in the northeast quadrant. Ward 7 is a very diverse section of the District and is distinguished by its leafy streets, single-family homes, transit stations and above all, its greenspace. It is home to a number of Civil War fort sites that have since been turned into parkland including: Fort Mahan Park, Fort Davis Park, Fort Chaplin Park and Fort Dupont Park, the largest city-owned park in the District. Ward 7 is also home to green spaces such as Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Watts Branch Park, Anacostia River Park and Kingman Island.
Thirty of DC’s total arts entities (22% of total DC art entities) reside in Ward 7. The average budget of Ward 7 arts organizations range from $25K to $250k +.
According to Guidestar, Arts organizations with a permanent facility, generate budgets ranging $250K + (17% of Ward 7 Arts entities). The majority of space-leasing Ward 7 organizations, generate budgets ranging from $25k to $40k. There are a few exceptions with budgets ranging $80k -$120k.
4.
The Muscianship staff teaching in their afterschool program.
Need For Space
Ward 7 arts organizations not only need space but administrative development to truly thrive. “The Arts Wing @ Maya” could be the answer Ward 7 needs.
The Arts Wing @ Maya Mission: To create artistic experiences around arts education, performance, and community building.
Through the “AAA” Formula, selected arts entities can grow and contribute to communities at large.
The “AAA” Formula is as follows:
1. Arts Administrative Support
2. Artistic Partnership/Community Enrichment
3. Artistic Programming Development
Arts Administrative Support
Capacity building doesn’t always have to be just a great grant. Human capital is the premium in any non-profit, especially in the arts. Ward 7 organizations leveling their relationship with Maya Angelou Charter School, could gain said capital through enthusiastic interns who undergo Ngoma’s four week arts administration program to obtain entry-level skills to start in DC’ s growing and established Arts employment sector. Together we grow.
Artistic Partnership/Community Enrichment
It takes a village. With The Arts Wing @ Maya’s Community Pillar component, arts organizations provide community engagement through outreach performances, and talk-backs to improve their “community footprint” with residents and patrons.
Artistic Programming Development
Envisioning exciting programming to generate earned revenue can sometimes be tricky. This component brings other arts organizations together collaborating on possible annual and special projects.
5.
Student photography from Critical Exposure
This vertical mixed-use space, brings community, arts and health/fitness organizations together. The office spaces can be multiple renters in one space or single occupants. Arts spaces are spread out by discipline. Theater spaces are provided for maximum use of future theatre productions and special events.
Office Space
Office Waiting Room
Office Space
Conference Room
Conference Room
Art Studio
Art Studio
1st Floor
Space Layout
6.
Dressing Room
Theater Mini Shop
Theater Properties Storage
Theatrical
Lighting Equipment
Greenroom
Health/Medical Space
Dance studios are placed next to possible physical therapy/Fitness/Health spaces, and small office spaces for emerging organiztioon. Music rooms provided for small to md-size ensembles with a theater rhearsal hall for musicals or acting rehearsals.
Waiting Room
Health/Medical Space
Management Office
Music Room
Music Room
2nd Floor
8.
Office Space
Space Room
Dance Studio
Office
MACS Community Room
Dance Studio
Dance Studio Theater
Rehearsal Hall
The Arts Wing @ Maya
Can Be Configured for:
- Three Office Suites
- Two Small Offices
- A flex space for a health/fitness/or medical occupant
- Two conference rooms for community or renters
- Management Office
- Theatre lighting equipment, mini-shop and properties rooms
- Three dance studios
- Theater rehearsal room
- Two music rehearsal rooms
- Two Art Studios
- Three dressing rooms
- 300-seat proscenium theater with a small performance area.
- Security Personnel
Current Accommodations:
- An emerging Art organization
- A mid size dance organization
- Theater rehearsal for two small theatre groups
- Music rehearsal space for single to small ensembles
- Office space ( seven to ten sharing organizations, and 4 mid-size organizations)
Future Accommodations:
- Theatrical season for one small theater companies
- Theatrical season for four dance companies
- Theatrical season for multiple music groups
- Movie nights
- Church services and conferences
9.
Black Theater Ensemble
