Groups launch performing arts residency program

Texas Performing Arts and Fusebox Festival are teaming up to launch a new residency program for performing artists. According to the announcement, “This partnership comes at a time both organizations believe there is vital work to do to ensure the performing arts industry has not only a future, but a sustainable one …. the residency program is geared towards adventurous Austin-based artists who are pushing the boundaries of performance and on the cusp of new projects, as well as furthering the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the local performing arts community.” The residency will award up to $20,000 to four artists or ensembles. Texas Performing Arts Executive Director Bob Bursey said, “Without a typical schedule of performances, it’s the perfect moment for us to repurpose our stages as laboratories for Austin artists who have been so hard hit by the pandemic. When we are able to gather together again, we want to ensure there will be compelling new performances to see.” Ron Berry and Anna Gallagher-Ross, Fusebox artistic directors, added, “We want to provide time and space for diverse artists to create and invent on their own terms, rather than focusing on an immediate product or outcome, and we believe the financial burden of this creation process should not fall entirely on the artists.”