We have some big news, which is that we’re starting a collective of Queens based artists and we want you to be a part of it. You might be asking yourself, “Who? What? Where? When? And for God’s sake, why?” We have answers for you:
WHO: Mission to (dit)Mars is Kari Bentley-Quinn, Don Nguyen, Meredith Packer and Laura Pestronk. And hopefully, if you are receiving this, you!
WHAT: Our mission is to provide Queens-based theater artists with a home for new play development, as well as to serve the residents of the borough by providing free or low-cost theatrical events. We believe strongly in developing a network of artists through cultivating local talent, and by fostering collaborations and relationships through developmental labs, classes, and social events. We believe that Queens is a premier destination for the arts in New York City, and we hope to highlight the rich community of diverse, talented, and underrepresented voices in the borough.
WHERE: We are currently looking at spaces for some exciting projects, but we DO know that meetings/gatherings will be held primarily in Astoria.
WHEN: Our first get together will be sometime in August before the summer ends, and it will definitely be somewhere outside and will definitely involve cocktails. It will mostly be a meet and greet, and the projects for the fall will be discussed.
WHY: Honestly? Because we were a little tired of Brooklyn getting all the glory. We were tired of commuting in order to showcase our work when we have amazing people and spaces right here in Queens. We want to show our colleagues and the world that Queens is going to be a major destination for the arts, and we want to be a part of it. It’s also a great excuse to see a lot of our friends without having to spend cash on a car service home!
So now what?
If you think this is something you might be interested, please email us back at missiontoditmars@gmail.com. Tell us something you are working on. Are you writing something? Are you in a show? If there was a project that you could use some local resources to work on, what would it be? Your feedback and interest will help shape this group and make it what we hope is a premier creative home for Queens based artists.
Hope you are having an excellent, fulfilling spring so far! Please reply to this email by July 1, 2012 to indicate your interest. More information is forthcoming.
Cheers!
Mission to (dit)Mars
Kari Bentley-Quinn
Don Nguyen
Meredith Packer
Laura Pestronk