The Joyce Theater Opens a New Studio Space

Linda Shelton, Executive Director of The Joyce Theater Foundation, Inc., announced today the opening of a new dance studio for The Joyce's exclusive use at 280 Broadway. Made possible through a partnership with Gibney, formerly Gibney Dance, the studio - Studio W - launched on February 24. For more information, please visit www.Joyce.org/Gibney.

The Joyce Theater Foundation has entered into a three-year arrangement to operate one of the studios atGibney's newly expanded and renovated space at 280 Broadway, making it the exclusive home for The Joyce's artist residency programs and rehearsal space needs. Designed as an ideal space for rehearsals, residencies, showings and events, the 42 x 31 Studio W will enable The Joyce to continue to offer its flexible collection of residency packages that are customized based on the specific needs of dance artists. The Joyce will also introduce new artist services at Gibney that include a fellowship opportunity and highly subsidized rehearsal space offered to select choreographers and dance companies. With this partnership, The Joyce continues to fulfill its mission of serving and supporting the dance community and bringing it to diverse audiences.

Linda Shelton, Executive Director of The Joyce Theater Foundation, said today, "The Joyce has a long history of supporting the creative development of dance artists and we are excited to continue that support with Studio W and our partnership with Gibney." Gibney Artistic Director Gina Gibney added, "Gibney is extremely grateful to The Joyce for their support and camaraderie. We look forward to continuing to work together to make our field stronger."

Lead support of The Joyce's rehearsal space and artist residency programs at 280 Broadway has been provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Major support was generously provided by Howard Gilman Foundation and LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, and additional support was wonderfully provided by Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Gibney, founded in 1991, is a trailblazing organization that brings the possibility of movement where it otherwise would not exist. Through its Center, Company and Community Action, Gibney is "Making Space for Dance" in studios, on stages and in partnership with underserved shelters and schools:

Gibney Centers are a powerhouse of cultural support for the performing arts community and New York City itself. In 1991, Gibney began leasing a studio in the historic 890 Broadway building to house Company rehearsals, and by 2011 the organization's presence at that location had expanded to comprise an expansive eight-studio creative center. Today, the organization directs a performing arts complex with two facilities: the Choreographic Center at 890 Broadway and the Agnes Varis Performing Arts Center at 280 Broadway. These remarkable spaces enable a robust roster of events designed to meet the needs of the dance field and audiences by fostering the creative process, encouraging dialogue and providing professional development opportunities.

Gibney Dance Company is the Center's acclaimed resident dance ensemble, led by choreographer Gina Gibney. Since its founding in 1991, the Company has steadily developed its reputation for excellence, building a repertory of over thirty works. Gibney Dance re-envisioned the Company in 2016, empowering its dancers as both artists and activists. Known as Artistic Associates, these dedicated partners advance the quality of the organization's artistry through performance, and deepen its community engagement through administrative fellowships, serving as advocates for pressing issues in the dance field.

Gibney Community Action is on the leading edge of mobilizing the arts to address social justice issues. This highly respected program uses dance to help heal and empower survivors of violence through multiple platforms, including Movement Workshops for domestic violence survivors; Global Community Action Residencies that share the program's model and practices internationally; the Community Action Hub at 280 Broadway and its resources for social change-minded artists; and Advocacy Initiatives that spread awareness and mobilize artists to respond to social issues.

ABOUT THE Joyce Theater Foundation

The Joyce Theater Foundation ("The Joyce," Executive Director, Linda Shelton), a non-profit organization, has proudly served the dance community for over three decades. Under the direction of founders Cora Cahan and Eliot Feld, Ballet Tech Foundation acquired and The Joyce renovated the Elgin Theater in Chelsea. Opening as The Joyce Theater in 1982, it was named in honor of Joyce Mertz, beloved daughter of LuEsther T. Mertz. It was LuEsther's clear, undaunted vision and abundant generosity that made it imaginable and ultimately possible to build the theater. Ownership was secured by The Joyce in 2015. The theater is one of the only theaters built by dancers for dance and has provided an intimate and elegant home for over 400 U.S.-based and international companies. The Joyce has also presented dance at Lincoln Center since 2012, and launched Joyce Unleashed in 2014 to feature emerging and experimental artists. To further support the creation of new work, The Joyce maintains longstanding commissioning and residency programs. Local students and teachers (K-12th grade) benefit from its school program, and family and adult audiences get closer to dance with access to artists. The Joyce's annual season of about 48 weeks of dance now includes over 340 performances for audiences in excess of 150,000.

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