The Art of Partnership

Local arts organizations are collaborating in creative ways to reach new audiences as they honor Columbus' artistic treasures and present exciting, multidisciplinary exhibitions and events.

GCAC recently interviewed several arts organizations who have received Project Support grants about the challenges and benefits of working collaboratively. In each case, there are several bonuses to working together: co-mingled fans resulting in a larger audience pool, the novelty of presenting one art form in a location usually reserved for another and the money saved by pooling resources.

This spring, Hixon Dance, a modern dance company founded by Sarah Hixon in 2007, will present an evening show of live music and modern dance entitled Airs and Dances at Columbus Dance Theatre. Though many dance troupes use recorded music to save time and money, Airs and Dances will merge live music and dance performances on the stage. Several pieces will feature original compositions by local composer Jacob Reed, including one new piece commissioned by Hixon Dance.

Hixon says the interaction between disciplines is an exciting experience for both audiences and performers.

"We have to collaborate on everything from the nuts and bolts logistics of how to present both forms in the same space, to the artistic dialogue of what ideas or concepts are driving the work or the creative process," Hixon said. "It has been really great working with the composer to form ideas, learn more about the musical structure and theory behind his work and watch a new piece come to fruition. It has also been great to see how excited the dancers are to work with musicians, and vice versa."

Another interesting collaboration involves CATCO, central Ohio's only professional resident theatre company, and local writer, Chiquita Mullins Lee. The two will work together on the world premiere of Elijah Pierce during CATCO's 2009-2010 season. Pierce is an important figure in the cultural history of central Ohio, especially in the African-American community. His wood carvings can be found in galleries, museums and private collections across the country, including the Columbus Museum of Art.

The Project Support grant that CATCO received from GCAC will support two week-long workshops and play readings to facilitate the final stages of script development for this significant new work by Mullins Lee.

"For the play I'm writing about Elijah Pierce, I've received valuable feedback from Geoff Nelson and CATCO," said Mullins Lee. "Geoff's comments have been especially insightful in pointing out areas where the script is strong and where it needs improvement. My challenge is a good one; I want to do my part to get it right next time!

Mullins Lee is encouraged by the collaborations among central Ohio's artists and arts organizations.

"I'm glad to see an increase in collaborations among arts groups, and I hope the trend continues," she said. "We're able to pool our resources and do more than we could do alone. We also gain the psychological benefit of working with like-minded people who prioritize the arts at all times."

Carpe Diem String Quartet, in residence at Ohio Wesleyan University, is a local arts group dedicated to reaching out to a larger audience through collaborative projects, including two with COSI. COSI will provide a unique and dynamic environment for Carpe Diem to perform two new music series – Seize the Music and carpe_diem@cosi. Seize the Music will present innovative programs which integrate traditional, contemporary and popular music. carpe_diem@cosi, the only family-friendly series of chamber music concerts offered in Columbus, will consist of interactive concerts that will engage both children and parents. This hands-on concert experience will take visitors through the evolution of the stringed instrument.

Charles Weatherbee and Korine Fujiwara, both members of Carpe Diem, agree that the visibility and accessibility offered to their group in partnering with COSI has been tremendous. Through the partnership, those who attend Carpe Diem concerts will be given discounts to COSI. Fujiwara said the only challenge has been that COSI has not traditionally been seen as a concert space; they'll have to rely on advertising and word of mouth to promote the concerts at the facility.

Artistic collaboration opens doors to venture beyond the usual safe zones, explore new environments and works to extend an organization's scope through education and experimentation. Additionally, pooling resources, a must during more trying economic times, helps groups stay afloat and builds stronger connections within the arts community.

Photo: Hixon Dance, © Stephanie Matthews Photography