Past Event Inspired: An Evening of Visual Art and Dance

THE GALLERY PERFORMANCES ARE NOW AT CAPACITY. ALL ARE WELCOME TO SEE THE LOBBY PERFORMANCE AT 6:45.

Akron-based dancer and choreographer, Dominic Moore Dunson will present three works, including a new performance drafted from the Keith Haring exhibition, in the Museum’s galleries. Announced as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” in 2023, this evening will celebrate his impact in the Akron community.

The first performance will begin in the Museum’s lobby at 6:45 pm. Guests will then be guided to additional spaces in the Museum’s galleries for the remaining performances. Performances include:

CAUTION (Commissioned by the Akron Art Museum, 2018)

Inspired by the compelling artworks of Jeff Donaldson’s “Simba” and “J.D. McClain’s Day in Court,” “CAUTION” serves as a timely reminder that true caution lies not in the individual trying to find safety but in the unexamined prejudices harbored by the wider world. We hope it compels the audience to question their own biases and the constructs that limit empathy and understanding.

Alright (Commissioned by moCa Cleveland, 2021)

Developed in collaboration with Tommy Lehman and Inspired by Martin Creed’s Work No. 3390 EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT”, this work explores the question, “What is freedom?”. And more importantly, our response to be told “everything is going to be alright”.

Please note: This work is specifically in response to Martin Creed’s neon sign. For tonight’s performance, we are using the same concept to be used in response to the artwork present at the Akron Art Museum.

Souls of Burden (World Premiere)

Inspired by Keith Haring’s dedication to social justice, this work uncovers the unseen emotional and physical struggles activists endure while presenting an unwavering front in the face of adversity.

More information on the artist:
Dominic is the Executive Producer of DMD Productions, a Co-founder, with his wife Ashley, of THRIVE Leadership & Team Consulting, and the host of inCOPnegro: Black & Blue Podcast.

Known for his community-centric approach, Dominic is a champion of community engagement in dance and business. His expertise spans Contemporary Dance, Theater for Young Audiences, University/College dance programs, Fine Art Museums, and Musical Theater.

Dominic’s work has earned him acclaim, including recognition as a 2021 Top 40 finalist for the National Dance Project Production Grant. He’s been an Associate Artist at Atlantic Center for the Arts, received the 2019 Cleveland Arts Prize’s Emerging Artist Award for Theatre & Dance, and was a 2019 fellow of The Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Program at Jacob’s Pillow. He’s also deeply involved with the National Choreography Center at The University of Akron as a Creative Research Residency Artist and Creative Administration Research Fellow.

A Co-founder of the Akron Black Artist Guild, and graduate of National Arts Strategies’ Executive Program for Arts & Culture Strategies at the University of Pennsylvania, Dominic is a committed leader to the arts & culture sector nationally using his knowledge and skills as a choreographer to help the sector “move into action”.

FREE. Registration requested.