You’re Invited - ODC Theater Strategic Focus Groups
I am excited that you’re considering taking part in one of ODC Theater’s upcoming focus groups and hope you’ll read on to learn more about the process. Below you’ll find some background information and details regarding next steps. Thank you for considering,
- Chloë Zimberg, Creative Director, ODC Theater
Background
ODC Theater exists to empower and develop innovative artists. It participates in the creation of new works through commissioning, presenting, mentorship and space access; it develops informed, engaged and committed audiences; and advocates for the performing arts as an essential component to the economic and cultural development of our community. This 170-seat venue is the site of over 150 performances a year involving nearly 1,000 local, regional, national and international artists.
Over the last year, as performing arts venues closed their doors due to COVID-19, racial justice became a visceral national imperative, and we saw many staff and community members relocating during the pandemic, ODC Theater initiated dialogue to comprehend the multifarious needs of artists and colleagues in the SF Bay Area and beyond. We spoke with national and regional arts and culture leaders and practitioners, continued to regularly attend national convenings (virtually), and facilitated listening sessions with our local communities.
As we endeavor to build back better, we have been called to focus on access and structures of power in our organization and leadership. Reopening in 2021 and beyond will not be a straightforward process for the dance sector, nor for ODC Theater as we remain cognisant of pre-COVID commitments and also work to pave the way towards reopening more safely, and with a focus on equity and racial justice as we reignite a dormant field. We must examine whose voices have been missing from our colloquial table and move to redress the balance.
National recovery from the collapse of the performing arts industry will take time and our scenario planning must remain adaptive to the ever-changing needs of the artists and communities we serve. As a mid-sized cultural organization made of artists of numerous backgrounds, we understand the profound displacement and disruption felt by so many. ODC aims to lead through recovery, but we will need significant support to identify and include new voices in our collective efforts and support their continued growth.
We invite you to join us in this dialogue and contribute your thoughts and voice to our visioning in a focus group. Your participation will contribute to the strategic advancement of ODC Theater by reflecting on guiding philosophies that impact the refinement of its existing programs and development of new offerings.
Format
Focus group participants will be asked to prepare by reflection on guiding questions. Each session will be facilitated by ODC Theater staff who will pose discussion questions and offer insights when specific questions arise. Participants will lead, guide, and generate discussion.
Details to Participate
We are currently requesting participation in two group types:
- A - Folks that are interested in Arts & Culture, like going out for activities, value community engagement and philanthropy, and are not presently active or regular patrons of ODC Theater.
- B - Live performance artists interested in the (re)development of the performing arts industry and dance in particular.
Sessions are currently scheduled for:
- Thursday, September 30, 5-6:15pm ONSITE at ODC - Group A
- Thursday, September 30, 12-1:15pm ONSITE at ODC - Group B
- Friday, October 8, 11-12:15pm ZOOM - Group A
Sessions will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Zoom sessions will be limited to four participants and live sessions to six. If you are unable to attend one of these sessions but are interested in participating live, please let us know as we may coordinate additional convenings.
All sessions will be recorded for archival purposes only. Light refreshments will be provided at onsite sessions. Black, Native/Indigenous, People of Color, women, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons are encouraged to participate.
Join us! Contact Garth Grimball, ODC’s Executive Associate with the date and time for which you are available or if you’re interested in future sessions. Please specify if you need any accessibility accommodations and/or if you have any questions. garth@odc.dance
If you are unable to participate live, but would still like to contribute your thoughts, please fill out our survey.