Martha's Vineyard Art Spotlight: Vineyard Arts Project

​It’s no secret that Martha’s Vineyard is home to a robust arts community. From visual arts to theater and dance, this island is home to residencies, galleries, exhibitions, and shows that flourish during the summer season. Nestled in Edgartown, just outside of the town center on Main Street, is Vineyard Arts Project, a performing arts residency that has been quietly bringing high-caliber theater and dance performances to Martha’s Vineyard at pay-what-you-can ticket prices for eleven years.

Ashley Bouder Project | Photo by Paula Lobo

​Vineyard Arts Project offers weeklong residencies to select professional groups, curated by the organization’s Founder and Artistic Director, Ashley Melone. Choosing diverse and emerging talent, Ashley focuses on supporting young artists looking to step outside of the mold and experiment with powerful, groundbreaking styles and subject matter. In 2018 alone, the Ashley Bouder Project, founded by NYC Ballet Principal Ashley Bouder, NYC-based The Black Iris Project, and LA-based No)one. Art House took the opportunity presented by the removed and relaxed atmosphere on the Vineyard to focus on their creative endeavors. Bouder’s collaborative spotlights the often-overlooked talents of female dancers as choreographers and in leadership roles. The Black Iris Project, founded by choreographer Jeremy McQueen, concentrates on the stories and talents of people of color, pulling from social issues and personal histories to create moving works. No)one. Art House focuses on new approaches to movement, often inspired by unusual, pop-culture sources.

The Black Iris Project | Photo by Matthew Murphy

​Vineyard Arts Project also provides a secluded, safe space for the incubation of major plays and musicals. Michael Greif (Rent, Dear Evan Hansen) was invited to the residency earlier this summer with the actors and creative team for a new musical titled “Far From The Tree,” based on Andrew Solomon’s award-winning book of the same name. They presented a reading with live music to a packed house, affording a venue for many who may otherwise be unable to see the final show in NYC. At the end of August, Vineyard Arts Project will welcome back The Public Theater for their fifth residency to workshop another new musical, “Poster Boy.” The Public Theater and Cirio Collective, a dance company founded by siblings Jeff Cirio (American Ballet Principal) and Lia Cirio (Boston Ballet Principal), are two groups that return to Vineyard Arts Project time and again to partake in the familial atmosphere and relaxed but inspiring setting that Martha’s Vineyard provides.

Curtis Lane Studio | Photo courtesy of Vineyard Arts Project

​Beyond artist residencies, Vineyard Arts Project also offers the space to performing arts educators and non-profits. Musical Theatre Lab, Rosie’s Theater Kids, and Jones Haywood Dance have also returned to the Vineyard for the past several summers to teach upcoming generations technique, perseverance, and professional skills. Using the studio space, fully equipped homes, and supportive community, they live at Vineyard Arts Project for a week and present their own performances at the conclusion of their stay.

Grounds of Vineyard Arts Project | Photo courtesy of Vineyard Arts Project

​Vineyard Arts Project also focuses on wellness and offers yoga classes every summer. Led by Johanna Hynes, these mindful, Vinyasa flows are offered every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday throughout the summer from 8:00-9:15am. They are $20 at the door and mats are available for use at the studio.

Entrance to Vineyard Arts Project | Photo: Vineyard Arts Project

If you haven’t had a chance to see the exceptional and joyful presentations at Vineyard Arts Project (215 Upper Main Street) or if you’re a regular intent on seeing all they have to offer this summer, there are two remaining performances of 2018: 
 
The Public Theater
Saturday, August 25, 2018
7:00 – 8:00 pm
215 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
Reserve tickets in advance at TicketsMV.com/VineyardArts or
Pay-what-you-can at the door 
 
The Black Iris Project
Saturday, September 1, 2018
7:00 – 8:00 pm
215 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
Reserve tickets in advance at TicketsMV.com/VineyardArts or
Pay-what-you-can at the door

This is a guest blog post by Sarah Simpson, Operations Coordinator, Vineyard Arts Project

For  more information about Vineyard Arts Project, and to see everything they offer, visit their website by clicking here.