THE PERFORMANCE ZONE INC

Convened over 300 artists through the Artist Congress initiative in collaboration with the New York Foundation for the Arts to address systemic challenges in the arts sector.

Conducted a 2019 nationwide survey of approximately 700 artists and published findings in the 2020 report Artists Prospering!, contributing data and insights on the working conditions and needs of independent artists.

Designs and delivers programs specifically to support Black, Indigenous, and Artists of Color, artists with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ artists, ensuring equitable access to resources, funding, and professional development opportunities.

Provided free and subsidized creative retreats through Artward Bound and Far-a-Field programs over 18 years, and operated FAR Space, offering accessible studio and rehearsal space for hundreds of artists and performance companies.

Provides ongoing anti-racism, accessibility, and DEIAJ training for staff and board members. Administered the Field Leadership Fund, a paid fellowship from 2015 to 2017 that supported 12 artists and arts managers facing systemic barriers, and established a national Field Network with over 10 sites implementing Fieldwork programs.

Co-hosted the Uptown/Downtown performance residency with Harlem Arts Alliance and Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, providing free space and time for over 30 artists to develop new work.

Develops and maintains digital and physical environments that are welcoming, accessible, and affirming for artists, audiences, and staff, with ongoing attention to accessibility and inclusion.

Hosts annual Activate Equity gatherings focused on equity, power, and representation in the arts sector, such as Activate Equity 2022 and 2023. Also hosted information sessions for social justice arts practitioners applying for fiscal sponsorship.

Provides fiscal sponsorship services enabling independent artists and arts organizations to receive tax-deductible donations, in-kind gifts, and access to 501(c)(3) grant opportunities. Processes donations and in-kind contributions, issues tax receipts and acknowledgment letters, and retains a 7% fee for administrative and processing costs. Supported fiscally sponsored artists in raising $4.8 million in the prior year and nearly $3 million in 2021.

Administers regranting initiatives including the Emerging/Independent Artists Challenge Program and ERPA/ERPA Outreach, which distributed $90,000 to 7 artists and supported professional development and new income models for performing artists.

Offers free membership providing artists with custom online profiles, access to fundraising and marketing tools, and a curated knowledge base. Members can showcase work, run crowdfunding campaigns, receive tax-deductible donations (including recurring and in-kind), access grant databases with deadline alerts, and obtain instant tax receipts and affiliation letters. Also provides access to free art supplies through Materials for the Arts.

Operates an Artist Council composed of 12 generative artists who provide advice on organizational services, technology, privacy, and accessibility. Council members are compensated for their participation and engaged in shaping organizational practices.

Operated Fieldwork, a weekly peer-to-peer feedback program for artists sharing works-in-progress, and produced Fielday, a 24-hour non-curated performance marathon held 3–4 times annually in New York City from 1986 to 2019. Fieldwork was later transitioned to Core Dance in Houston.