Interview: How PS122 Is Going Global
by Alexis ClementsPage 6 of 6
But you can't begin to have that conversation about brand without acknowledging the fact that PS122 was those things, years ago.
Yeah. I'm just saying that the building, as it currently is, doesn't serve that purpose as well as it might. It did in the 1980s and 90s, but now the work is different and the needs of that work are different and we need to respond and lead that change. And so we're also rolling out a whole program of site-specific work. We're trying to figure out how to make contemporary live performing arts sustainable. And essential.
Seems like there are a lot of groups working on that.
For us it means getting it out of the box, getting it into the world and putting it on six legs, instead of one leg, which is our tiny commissioning fee. It is about people's awareness of work in the States. It is about doing less with more.
What's in it for the artists involved in PS122 Global?
It's going to extend the life of their work. I hope that in the medium- to long-term that what's in it for the artists is a vastly increased set of opportunities for producing the work that they want to make. Hopefully also to develop artistic collaborations with international artists. But at least repeat presentations by the presenters that we take them to.
What are you really excited about that you've been able to develop at PS122 in the past five years?
What I'm really excited about is the opportunities that were created by us but not for us, like these touring opportunities. I'm proud that we've increased the amount of money that we're able to give to the work and that we're really investing in each show passionately. I'm proud that the organization says "yes" so much more often than we say "no" to what people want to do.
It's big that you're willing to commit to a few shows for your core artists.
And we try to say it before we know if their show is gonna be good, because it's about a conversation. It's about asking what do we want to do together, how do you want to work with us, what can we do for you. It's not, how much money are we going to give you. It's a different conversation, it's a creative conversation, and it's a pleasurable conversation. It's about pleasure.
Are you happy the scaffolding is down?
Yeah.
(images courtesy PS122)
Related Locations
-
Performance Space 122 (P.S. 122)
- 150 First Ave., at 9th St (map)
- East Village
- 212-228-4249
- (based on 1 user review)
