It is with a mix of sadness, hope and determination that I publicly announce that The Cora Studio will be closing its space in Red Hook, Brooklyn as of March 1, 2015. Like so many other arts spaces in Brooklyn, rising rents coupled with diminished funding have impacted us greatly. We are immediately seeking temporary spaces in the community to continue our programs as we go in search of a new permanent home HOWEVER, WE CANNOT SUCCESSFULLY MEET THE CHALLENGE OF CONTINUING WITHOUT YOUR HELP.
To date, our fall fundraising campaign has raised $31,000, AND WITH YOUR CONTINUED HELP we will not only be able to keep moving forward with all our programs but also will find a lasting, suitable location that will keep us serving the people of Red Hook for years to come.
We ask everyone to remember that Cora is not a space. Cora is PEOPLE...and despite this loss, there are substantial reasons for celebration this winter. Cora Dance's season "Stories" at BAM January 29-31, 2015 is a testament to who we are and what we are all about. "Stories" not only includes two premieres by the professional company, but also features select students from our school, reflecting the work we do that reaches deep into communities and hearts far beyond the formal stage. BAM's ticketing for the show is modeled after Cora's own pay-what-you-can structure; and at our Opening Night Celebration & Benefit, we will hold the first $2000 we raise as our first ever college scholarship to be offered to the first graduate from our school, in the name of two members of Cora who will be leaving us this year - Board President, Danielle Vidals and Dancer/Collaborator, Calia Marshall... AND IF THAT'S NOT A REASON TO INVEST IN OUR FUTURE, I don't know what is.
Our policy at Cora has always been pay-what-you-can with no one turned away based on what or if they can pay. While Brooklyn in many ways seems to be shifting further from that inclusivity, WE ARE NOT. The loss of the space does not have to mean that WE are gone, and with your help, all of our programs will be fully back in action in no time. But we cannot cross this hurdle without your support. YOUR DONATION HELPS MAKE THIS A CHANCE FOR US TO GROW STRONGER AND BE AROUND FOR YEARS TO COME.
We thank you for your support, generosity and understanding during this transition. Please give generously and enjoy a warm, beautiful holiday. PLEASE GIVE TODAY. CLICK BELOW TO DONATE or send a check to: 201 Richards Street, Box 5, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
All the best,
Shannon
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Cora Dance has received funding in 2014-2015 from NYSCA/New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; and through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Cora has also received significant support from the Meringoff Family Foundation, the Michael Tuch Foundation, SaveMor Digital Printing and from our individual contributors.
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