As of January 1, 2016
Bronx, NY (9/9/15)—Dancing in the Streets is thrilled to announce that Simon Dove, a visionary arts leader, will take the organization’s helm on January 1, 2016. Dove will succeed Aviva Davidson, who is retiring at the end of this year after 17 years as Dancing in the Streets’ Executive and Artistic Director. Dove will continue and build upon Dancing in the Streets’ Bronx-based programming, including the South Bronx Culture Trail in collaboration with Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education and Make Mott Haven in partnership with Casita Maria, SoBRO, NYCHA, and The Ghetto Film School. In addition, he will develop new projects through local and international collaborations that aspire to engender artistic exploration, deepen community engagement, stimulate cross-cultural dialogue, and broaden the platform for urban culture and for Dancing in the Streets.
“The Board of Directors is excited to support Simon as we enter a new phase in the organization’s proud history of creating free adventurous performances in unexpected places,” said Carl Stoll, Dancing in the Streets’ board president. “As a social activist, arts impresario and innovator, Simon has an impressive track record of building deep, meaningful connections among artists, communities and a broad public, jointly exploring the role of arts and creative expression in the development of a healthy, vital society. We are grateful to Aviva Davidson for being a passionate steward for Dancing in the Streets, always bringing her powerful commitment to the potential of dance to build bridges, blur boundaries and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of the Bronx and many other New York City communities. She leaves the organization with so many strong partnerships and assets in place.”
“This leadership position at Dancing in the Streets is immensely exciting.” said Simon Dove. “The organization has an impeccable history of creating compelling performance work in vibrant community settings around New York City, as well as providing important platforms for many of the city’s own Urban art forms. I look forward to broadening and deepening this work; developing new projects that can engage the diversity of New York’s communities, further artists’ creative practices in community contexts, and showcase the power, vitality and importance of urban cultures.”
“Simon Dove is ideally suited to lead Dancing in the Streets towards its next stage of growth.“ said Aviva Davidson. “He has an expansive vision that combines a deep commitment to public art, urban dance, and meaningful community engagement. With his experience and vast network, I believe that he will make a significant contribution towards legitimizing and promoting street culture, and expanding Dancing in the Streets’ impact in the Bronx and on the NYC, national, and international art worlds. And, besides, he is a pleasure to work with. Simon has an open and generous mind and is motivated by a profound spirit of inquiry.