BAC Announces $100,000 DiMenna Matching Gift for Cage Cunningham Campaign

Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) has announced a $100,000 matching gift from philanthropist Diana DiMenna and hedge-fund manager Joe DiMenna, in support of BAC's campaign to establish the Cage Cunningham Fund for artist fellowships, named after legendary artistic partners John Cage and Merce Cunningham.

BAC's two-year, $1 million Cage Cunningham Campaign, which launched January 16, has raised more than $400,000 to date. The campaign has 100% commitment from BAC's Board of Directors, of which Mrs. DiMenna is a member. Mr. and Mrs. DiMenna have pledged one dollar for every two raised up to $100,000 during the match period, from June to December 31, 2014. The DiMenna Match will raise $300,000 for the campaign, encouraging gifts of all sizes from a range of contributors, and helping BAC to achieve the campaign goal.

Beginning in December 2015, the Cage Cunningham Fund will award the annual Cage Cunningham Fellowship of $50,000, distributed over two years to an exemplary contemporary artist who reflects qualities of innovation and collaboration epitomized by Cage and Cunningham. Fellows will experiment or develop new works in BAC's Studio 6A, which will be renamed the John Cage and Merce Cunningham Studio in honor of the late artists' unparalleled contribution to 20th-century art and culture.

The DiMenna Match reflects Mr. and Mrs. DiMenna's leadership support of BAC's intent to nurture and provide substantial career support to artists who will carry forward the legacy of these great artistic innovators.

"Joe and I greatly value and admire the mission of the Cage Cunningham Campaign," said Mrs. DiMenna, "and welcome others to join us in supporting BAC in granting these essential fellowships to deserving artists."

The Cage Cunningham Fund will expand and deepen BAC's current efforts to meet the vital and ever-growing need of artists for dedicated time and space for creative investigation without commercial pressure. Since BAC opened in 2005, it has provided nearly 160 residencies, serving as an incubator for artists and companies to research ideas and develop work in the Center's studios and performance spaces. Many of these works have been performed on BAC's own stages and at venues around the world.

The Cage Cunningham Campaign was launched with the encouragement of the John Cage and Merce Cunningham Trusts. The Campaign Advisory Committee includes: Charles Atlas, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Frank Cordasco, Tony Creamer, Molly Davies, Deborah Eisenberg, John Guare, Colleen Keegan, Garrison Keillor, Laura Kuhn, Liz LeCompte, Harvey Lichtenstein, Benedicte Pesle, Georgiana Pickett, Judith Pisar, Kirk Radke, Liz Gerring Radke, Peter Sellars, Wallace Shawn, Allan Sperling, David Vaughan, Suzanne Weil, Lynn Wichern, and Robert Wilson.

Inquiries about the Cage Cunningham Campaign can be directed to Kirsten Munro, Director of Development: kmunro@bacnyc.org. Donations can be made online at www.bacnyc.org/support.

About Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC): BAC is the realization of a long-held vision by artistic director Mikhail Baryshnikov who sought to build an arts center in Manhattan that would serve as a gathering place for artists from all disciplines. BAC's opening in 2005 heralded the launch of this mission, establishing a thriving creative laboratory and performance space for artists from around the world. BAC's activities encompass a robust residency program augmented by a range of professional services, including commissions of new work, as well as the presentation of performances by artists at varying stages of their careers. In tandem with its commitment to supporting artists, BAC is dedicated to building audiences for the arts by presenting contemporary, innovative work at affordable ticket prices. For more information, visit www.bacnyc.org.