Artist-In-Residence Program
Chez Bushwick’s Artist-In-Residence (AIR) Program has provided steadily programmed residencies in Bushwick, Brooklyn since the studio's founding in 2002. Awarded artists receive 75 hours of safely designated rehearsal space at Chez Bushwick as well as a public performance opportunity. Our organization is honored to mindfully continue a mission of support for emerging and mid-career diverse artists, as incoming AIRs build their creative work in a facility that has successfully steered an ongoing mission to foster the development, research, and presentation of new multi-disciplinary performance works.
We are pleased to announce four awarded artists to our 2023 Artist-In-Residence program! 2023 marks the 21st year of steadily programmed residencies in Bushwick, Brooklyn since Chez Bushwick's founding in 2002. Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation is thrilled to announce international artist Nidal Abdo, with Collective Nafass as Artists-In-Residence at Chez Bushwick in August 2023.
Structured to occur safely, awarded artists receive 75 hours of safely designated rehearsal space at Chez Bushwick between August 1st - August 20th, 2023, as well as a performance opportunity on August 14th. Our organization is honored to mindfully continue a mission of support for emerging and mid-career diverse artists, as incoming AIRs build their creative work in a facility that has successfully steered a continued safe reopening, proving our theory of change around Venue Safety, piloted in autumn 2020 during the pandemic, and charting new ground specifically to support a safe reopening of Dance Facilities.
Nidal Abdo and Collective Nafass' residency is part of Albertine Dance Season and received support from Villa Albertine.
Congratulations to
Artists-In-Residence 2023!
Collective Nafass
Founded in May 2018, Collective Nafass brings together performers with a shared interest for two languages: Arabic and dance. Even though they have different training backgrounds and artistic sensibilities, all members have gone through exile and loss. Together, they want to express the depth of the Syrian tragedy, the reminiscence of war in their everyday life. They performed at the Arab World Institute, Napoli Teatro, Carthage and Ramallah festivals. Collective Nafass is supported by the agency of artists in exile.
Photo Credit: Khaled.Bakkora
Nidal Abdo
Nidal Abdo was born in Damascus, Syria. Nidal started dancing at the Ballet Dance School of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus in 1999. In 2005, his journey to become a trained dancer began with the Syrian Enana Dance Company. He became a professional dancer, traveling with the band to participate in many festivals. Starting in 2010, Nidal danced with Caracalla Dance Company, gaining experience in many different types of dance, such as Marta Graham's style, modern jazz, contemporary, and folkloric dance. He went on to complete his diploma in Modern-jazz at the National Institute of Dance in Paris, “Center National de la Danse”. Nidal then founded the Collective Nafass in early 2018 in France. He participated with Nafass in European and Arab festivals, with his first show “What If Tomorrow” 2018. He is a member of L'atelier des Artistes en Exil.
Katell Ollier
Katell Ollier was trained in ballet, and from there, went on to follow a multidisciplinary professional dance formation. Since coming to Paris when she was 18 years old, she has been working in several companies and famous Parisian stages, such as "Le Paradis Latin", "Bobino", "Le Lido de Paris". She herself also produced numerous TV shows and musical shows. Katell also participated as a dancer and an assistant choreographer on contemporary creations.
Cynthia Dariane
Cynthia Dariane upholds that dance is a life discipline and an identity. In addition to her stage performances, Cynthia obtained the French State diploma in jazz dance teaching. A strong believer of the richness of heteroclites, she also has a PhD in French Literature focusing on the relationship between literature and dance, as well as a MA in dance research. Involved in choreography, theater, concerts, teaching, and conferences, Cynthia is an all-arounder whose talents span the worlds of writing, literature, and dance.
Khaled Awarea
Khaled Alwarea is a Syrian-born architect and multidisciplinary artist currently based in Marseille, France. His artistic career began in 2011 with his first exhibition and photography contest win, and since then he has explored various mediums including photography, video art, theatre scenography, performance, and multimedia installations. His work often touches on themes of sexuality, individuality, and freedom of expression.
In addition to his work as an artist, Khaled is the co-founder and creative director of UV LAB design studio. His expertise lies in conceptualizing and creating site-specific sculptures and monumental installations, using natural and upcycled materials. UV LAB has successfully executed projects in various countries across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. Khaled has also been involved in designing and building schools in tented settlements across Lebanon to foster education for children and mitigate child labor as part of the refugee crisis response.
Past Artists in Residence
Alaina Wilson, Alain Lauture, Aleixa Freire, Alessia Lovreglio, Alex Romania, Alexa West, Alina Folini, Amanda Hunt, Amelia Heintzelman, Anh Vo, Anthony Rosado, Ashley Green, Ashley R. T. Yergens, Bianca Golden, BREAKTIME Duo: Holly Sass, Brendan Drake, Catherine Galasso, Catherine Kirk, Cherry Locovozzi , Chris Cahoon, Chris Devita, Coleman Collective, Connor Voss, Dana Katz, Danielle Russo, Dorchel Haqq, Doug LeCours, Dava Huesca, Drew Dollaz, Effie Bowen, Elena Light + Henry Holmes, Eli Tamondong, Elisabeth Motley, Emma Geisdorf, EmmaGrace Skove-Epes, Evvie Allison, Fumihiro Kikuchi, Gabrielle D’Angelo, Gabrielle Revlock, Gianna Theodore, Goldie Peacock, Greer Dworman, Hala Shah, Hans, Hyung Seok Jeon, IV, Castellanos, Ichi Go + Hanae Utamur, Isaiah Joao, Ita Segev, J. Bouey, Jace Weyant, Jacqueline Bulnes, James Koroni, Johnnie Mercer, Jonathan Matthews, José Herrero, Julia Gladstone, Justin Cabrillos, Kar’mel Antonyo Wade Small, Karolina Kraczkowska, Kate Watson-Wallace, Kathleen Kelley, Katie Workum, Kelly Buwalda, Kristel Baldoz, Kristi Cole, Kwok Verrill, LJ Leach, Lai Yi Ohlsen, Laurel Atwell, Lauren Bakst, Leslie Cuyjet, Lily Shapiro, Lisa Fagan, Lorene Bouboushian, Mac Allen, Marc Crousillat, Madison Hicks, Mari Meade Montoya, Mariana Valencia, Marielis Garcia, Mei Yamanaka, Millie Kapp, Mina Nishimura, Na An, Nadia Khayrallah, Nadia Tykulsker, Nicole Roerick, Nicole Wolcott, Nora Stephens, Oluwadamilare (Dare) Ayorinde, Quamaine Daniels, Ragin Smith, Rourou Ye, Samuel Swanton, Sarah Lifson, Shantelle Jackson, Sophie Sotsky, Stanley Gambucci, Stormy Budwig, Stuart Shugg, Tanner Tanner, Tara Willis, Tingying Ma, Tori Lawrence, Zavé Martohardjono