Amidst global uncertainty and change, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has sought to make one thing constant – making contemporary performing arts more accessible.
This new approach comes off the success of its innovative series Reconnect. which responded to the global pandemic and saw 27,000 people around the world tune in to watch streams of past performances and live Q&A sessions with artists. This fall, The Arts Center will launch its sixth season conceived fully for a physically distanced environment, exploring new ways to bring audiences, artists, and the UAE arts community closer together.
This year the season theme is dedicated to Abu Dhabi’s interconnected islands. Titled A Bridge, The Arts Center plays a role in linking curiosity and inspiration, connecting the University with the Capital of the UAE, and joining UAE with global audiences.
Season Six will also include Off The Stage – an array of interactive events delivered as part of each artist’s virtual residency. From workshops in dance and theater-making, to online career chats, and intimate online meals with the artists, Off The Stage programs are central to The Arts Center’s commitment to connecting artists to, and expanding the knowledge and experience of, the wider community.
Executive Artistic Director of The Arts Center at NYUAD Bill Bragin explains: “When distance becomes a condition of performance, it raises challenging constraints, but The Arts Center is in a strong position to respond with innovation and creativity. The depth of the relationships we have with artists has allowed us to work with them to think beyond sharing archival videos and truly re-imagine how live events work when not staged in a physical venue. Throughout Season Six and with our Off The Stage program, we are investing in performances and experiences that connect thousands of people at the same time, as well as creating moving events for audiences of only one or two people.”
The performances include: