ARTICLE
The Ringling’s Art of Performance Series Artists Receive Grants Contact Name: Virginia Harshman Contact Email: virginia.harshman@ringling.org Contact Phone Number: 941-359-5700 ext. 2803 Sarasota, Florida--The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce that the museum’s Art of Performance program will feature two artists who have recently been recipients of 2019-2020 Southern Exposure: Performing Arts of Latin America program grants. Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have announced grants totaling $120,000. The support will help communities across the U.S. bring exceptional performing arts groups from Latin America for performances and community engagement activities that build an understanding and appreciation for the richness and diversity of Latin American cultures. "We are thrilled to be able to share these wonderful musicians, dancers, and theater artists with communities across the United States," said Theresa Colvin, Executive Director of Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation. "Southern Exposure truly is special in its ability to highlight what is unique about the cultures it represents while also illuminating the common humanity in all people." Grants support 37 engagements in 18 states across the U.S. Artists that will be performing this season at The Ringling include: Teatro y Su Doble from Chile and Son Luna y Jóvenes Zapateadores from Mexico. Teatro y Su Doble will open “Feos” (“The Ugly Ones”) Feb. 7 and 8. Written by acclaimed Chilean playwright Guillermo Calderón and inspired by the story “La Noche de los Feos” by Mario Benedetti, “Feos” is a visual feast of Bunraku-style puppetry. A man and a woman who have spent their whole lives alone and subjected to stares due to physical deformities have a chance encounter in line at a movie theater and together go in search of the light behind the darkness, although nothing is quite as it seems. Incorporating stop motion projections, puppeteering of the highest caliber, and a story that challenges audiences to look at their own faults with honesty and acceptance, the production is a unique work of beauty. The play is for adult audiences and is performed with English surtitles. Son Luna y Jóvenes Zapateadores will present “¡Vívelo!” Dec. 12-14, 2019. “¡Vívelo!” merges different rhythms and dance styles such as folkloric dance, contemporary, Spanish dance and African-inspired movements. Mexican musical ensemble Son Luna provides the traditional music of Veracruz, Mexico, and dance troupe Jóvenes Zapateadores showcase the evolution of Son Jarocho roots with different rhythms and dance styles. Masterfully displaying dance genres from the region and beyond, this large scale production provides strong entry points for presenters seeking a highly energetic folkloric piece. Elizabeth Doud, The Ringling’s Currie-Kohlmann Curator of Performance said “Southern Exposure has been invaluable support to presenters working with artists in Latin America. We are thrilled to be able to bring these exciting, international groups to Sarasota. We would like to thank the program and the NEA for helping to make these performances possible.” Tickets for the Art of Performance series, which includes 14 diverse artist groups, will be on sale starting Aug. 1, 2019, at www.ringling.org or by phone at 941-360-7399. About Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation develops partnerships and programs that reinforce artists’ capacity to create and present work and advance access to and participation in the arts. The Foundation was created in 1979 and is a private nonprofit organization that is closely allied with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. It combines funding from state and federal resources with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to address needs in the arts from a regional, national and international perspective. To learn more about MAAF, its programs and services, visit our website at www.midatlanticarts.org. About the National Endowment for the Arts The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $5 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies and the philanthropic sector. www.arts.gov About The Ringling The Ringling is a center for art, history and learning situated on 66 acres on Sarasota Bay. It is built on the legacy of circus entrepreneur, collector of art and financier John Ringling and his wife Mable. The Ringling inspires visitors with an acclaimed collection of Old Master paintings, explores with them the diverse cultures and art of Asia, delights them with the story of the American circus, and transports them to the Roaring Twenties during a tour of the magnificent Ca’ d’Zan mansion. The Ringling is also committed to exhibiting the work of an emerging community of living artists that moves beyond traditional practice and features dynamic and engaging contemporary visual and performing arts, including a diverse roster of theater, music and dance. The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida. Affiliated with Florida State University, it is one of the largest university art centers in the nation. Media Contacts The Ringling: Virginia Harshman Public relations specialist 941-359-5700 x2803 Virginia.Harshman@ringling.org