The Arts Den New York exists to provide opportunities for artists who are of unique cultures, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and others whose voices we rarely hear. One major goal is to use art (especially theater) as a tool to unite people by fostering more cross-cultural and inter-generational experiences that are designed to promote an increase in tolerance and acceptance regarding things outside of society's usual comfort zones.

Description and/or History:
We are a new, emerging organization with big dreams and limited resources, but are determined to acquire the necessary funds, skills, and support that will enable the programs we envision to prosper and grow. Fortunately, we are in the process of forming collaborative partnerships with other arts and non-arts organizations to better present our programs during these challenging economic times. We have also scaled down our programs because of the need to have more focus, which should make it easier to raise our profile, improve the quality of our administrative and production components, and expand the audience/support base that is building. Consequently, we are pleased to announce that our 2009-10 season will consist of three wonderful productions including two previously and successfully produced sensations that have the potential of growing artistically and reaching wider audiences. These exciting, inspiring, entertaining, educational, and unique productions will help us continue to grow as an organization in ways that honor our mission and goals.
We are thrilled to present:
•CELEBRATING ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES: AN EVENING OF THEATER, MUSIC & FILM;
•FOUR ONE-LEGGED MEN a critically acclaimed and award winning one-man play;
•A Gospel Musical Revue not yet titled but has an old-fashioned flavor and inter-generational cast.

CELEBRATING ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES: AN EVENING OF THEATER, MUSIC & FILM was a huge success as part of THE LOWER MANHATTAN CULTURAL COUNCIL'S SWING SPACE PROGRAM. This production included two powerful theatrical monologues from actor/playwright Gary Corbin, an above-the-knee right leg amputee and 30 plus year cancer survivor; three wonderful songs performed by Russell Barnes an internationally respected musical theater artist from The National Theater Workshop For The Handicapped, whose performance was reminiscent of Paul Robeson’s style; and segments from the multi-award winning PBS documentary, NO BIGGER THAN A MINUTE", a touching film produced, written, and directed by Steven Delano, an extremely talented Denver based artist. This film chronicles the lives of Little People. It features a wide range of Little People especially Mr. Delano himself. The film also features other recognizable faces, and those who are lesser known within this unique and diverse segment of the population. Plans are underway to co-produce this event, throughout the coming year, by forming partnerships with other organizations in New York, and eventually nationwide. The artists mentioned above are the main attractions; however, this multi-arts presentation has also accumulated a national registry of performers who have disabilities but live in other cities throughout the United States. Many of these under represented, and deserving performers will now have the opportunity to display their exceptional talents as we adjust to fit the specific needs of different venues and locations. This includes attracting more female performers. We even have a manager/promoter from the United Kingdom who will collaborate with us to stage this unique event. In the beginning, he will work with us regarding venues that are primarily in the United States. However, planning is underway to eventually produce both CELEBRATING ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES and FOUR ONE-LEGGED MEN in London and other parts of the UK. Consequently, the ultimate goal is to practice what we preach and prove how strongly we believe in our mission.

Within a short time span, we have been able to accomplish things that companies with more mileage have not. Our "immediate family" consists of a small, but dedicated group of people who share the same vision and goals that are consistent with our mission statement. We are professional, talented, pleasant, and work as a team of players who are unwavering in their commitment to our success. Moreover, those who join us are in for a rewarding, fun, exciting, inspiring, and educational adventure, with a young company that has already gained a reputation for doing quality work. It began with our inaugural production, the critically acclaimed and multi-award winning one-man play entitled, FOUR ONE-LEGGED MEN. Written and performed by Gary Corbin, this powerful, entertaining, and fascinating play features four distinct above-knee, male, right leg amputees from different backgrounds, seasons and eras. Consistent with the mission of our organization, this pioneering theatrical sensation recently enjoyed successful runs at the 10th Annual New York International Fringe Festival, The Montreal and Buffalo Fringe Festivals, The Greater Newark Black Disabled Arts Festival (Paul Robeson Center/Rutgers U) and in the heart of Manhattan's Theater District. As a member of the Alliance of Resident Theaters/New York - A.R.T/NY, we received a multitude of excellent guidance that will enable us to prosper and grow, while formulating long and short-range goals regarding our future productions and programs. In addition, our Fiscal Sponsor is Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization that accepts tax-deductible donations, on our behalf, from individuals, foundations, and corporations. We have a history of attracting exceptionally talented and remarkable people from all backgrounds to work with us as administrators, performers, directors, choreographers, lighting/sound designers, and other behind the scenes volunteers and paid staff. This spirit of inclusion is also been reflected in our multi-ethnic and growing audiences as well. Those attending theater or performing arts events for the first time have sat side by side with novice performing arts patrons or professionals in the industry. Finally, we are extending an OPEN INVITATION TO ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE wishing to join our family whose history includes an OPEN DOOR POLICY towards all who believe in our mission including (but not limited to) those with the following skills: actor/actress, musician, dancer/choreographer, performing artist, playwright, arts administrator, fund raiser, audience development, marketing, web/graphic design, financial record keeper, data base management, grants writer/researcher, stage manager, house manager, lighting/sound designer, volunteer, or patron. For more information on how to become involved or support THE ARTS DEN NEW YORK, please feel free to call - (212) 929-4825 or email - artsdenwelcomesu@yahoo.com.

Contact people:

Gary Corbin, Director, (212) 929-4825, (email) Cleo Brown, Company Manager, (212) 675-8238, (email)

Address:

202 W. 24th Street, Suite 202 New York, NY 10011 (See a map)

Directions:

Our administrative offices are presently located in the heart of Chelsea, at West 24th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues. However, we are closer to 7th Avenue.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 1 and 9; C and E,   Walk distance (in minutes): less than 1 minute   Nearest Bus Stop: Crosstown M23, M11