Some of the key tenets of jazz – collaboration, innovation, and improvisation – inform the unique programming at Ars Nova Workshop in Philadelphia. The organization was founded in 2000 to bring critical awareness to the work of influential but under-recognized jazz musicians. Ars Nova presents traditional concerts and documentary film screenings throughout the year. It also seeks innovative ways to recontextualize a musician’s body of work and offer a more expansive view of his or her career. In 2019, the organization will partner with Anthony Elms, Chief Curator of the ICA Philadelphia and John Corbett of Corbett vs. Dempsey Gallery in Chicago, to present the first comprehensive look at the life and work of free jazz pioneer and self-taught visual artist, Milford Graves.
Milford Graves
“The Foundation’s commitment to supporting artists by funding the institutions that incubate, encourage, exhibit and critically engage their work is unwavering. Non-profit arts organizations face profound challenges due to the political, economic, social and cultural upheavals of our current moment. At the same time, and more than ever, artists need the supportive community and creative encouragement that these organizations provide.”
Joel Wachs, President