New York – Page 2 – International Arts & Artists

Host Spotlight: UnionDocs

August 22, 2019April 13, 2018 by Jennifer Schrock

Based in Brooklyn, NY, UnionDocs (UNDO) is a non-profit Center for Documentary Art that presents, produces, publishes, and educates. It brings together a diverse community of activist artists, experimental media-makers, dedicated journalists, big thinkers, and local partners to search for urgent expressions of the human experience, practical perspectives on the world today, and compelling visions for the future.

Each year, International Arts & Artists partners with UNDO to provide J-1 visa sponsorship for international fellows participating in the Collaborative Studio (CoLAB) program. This ten-month fellowship brings together individual talents, voices, and stories to create multi-dimensional documentaries. CoLAB offers a platform for these artists to explore contemporary approaches to the documentary arts and a process for developing an innovative collaborative project. The program consists of weekly production meetings, seminars, screenings and other public programs, along with regular masterclasses and critiques with visiting artists.

We recently caught up with Ansh Vohra, one of the 2017-18 CoLAB fellows, and Sarah Lerner, UNDO’s Director of Operations, to learn more about the CoLAB program and UNDO’s experience as a J-1 host organization.

Sarah, what are some of your favorite things about hosting exchange visitors?

We are able to host up to six international fellows and six local fellows each year as part of our CoLAB program. The opportunity is as valuable for us as it is for them, as we greatly appreciate being able to expand our documentary arts community on a global scale. We have extensive international partnerships on our public facing events and workshops by bringing together artists, journalists, critics and curators from around the world, so we feel it is important to continue the tradition within the film production side of the organization as well. One of our primary goals as part of our fellowship program is to create multi-dimensional pieces in a collaborative format, and cross-cultural exchange is one of the most effective ways to do that.

Ansh, what impact has your J-1 experience with UnionDocs had on your life and your career?

UnionDocs came into my life at a time when I was just beginning to comfortably settle into my work as a filmmaker. However, I wasn’t sure that being comfortable was the right thing to do at the age of 25. I began making film four years ago and I couldn’t help but wonder whether I’d pushed myself to have new experiences. My time here at UnionDocs has been a big step forward in overcoming that obstacle. I’ve had the opportunity to challenge my notions of what makes for a good film, and I feel as though I will come out of this opportunity a filmmaker who isn’t afraid to take risks. Additionally, living in the United States, and in New York especially, has given me the opportunity to interact with cultures that I wouldn’t otherwise be privy to back home in Delhi. I’m working on projects that focus on people of Indian, Syrian and Azeri origins, something that probably wouldn’t have been possible in any other city in the world.

Sarah, what are some of activities that CoLAB fellows get to take part in?

Our fellows spend ten months at UnionDocs, meeting twice a week for production meetings, master classes and seminars with notable members of the documentary field. We have had the opportunity to work with notable filmmakers (such as Deborah Stratman), radio producers (such as Jad Abumrad) and curators (such as Sally Berger). We are sponsored by AbelCine, one of the industry’s most comprehensive sources for state-of-the-art camera equipment and accessories. Our fellows receive training support from AbelCine staff. We are also sponsored by Canon, who lease cameras for Collaborative Studio productions.

Ansh, what are some of the projects that you’ve been working on during your time at UnionDocs?

I’m currently working on three documentary projects at UnionDocs, two of which I’m directing. The first one is a film that follows three immigrant narratives that originate within a 100 miles of each other in Punjab (India) and culminate in a taxi school in Queens, NY. The second one, which I’m co-directing with Daniel Sitts, is an animated film that chronicles the family history of some of the first few Syrians to arrive in the United States back in the 1890s. The third one follows an Azerbaijani family and tells the story of a generational divide between a traditionally Azeri grandmother and her American granddaughter.

Sarah, tell us about some of the cultural activities that UnionDocs fellows participate in during their program!

Our fellows are able to attend all of the 100+ events held at UnionDocs free of charge, and are encouraged to do so. We take an annual trip to the Camden International Film Festival in Maine each fall. Group field trips have also included Documentary Fortnight at MoMA, Art of the Real at Film Society Lincoln Center and HotDocs in Toronto. In addition, we share word of local events at other micro-cinemas and festival opportunities that might be of interest.

Ansh, what does cultural exchange mean to you?

Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. We’re a group of people you would usually have never found inside one room had it not been for a program like UnionDocs and International Arts & Artists. To work with all of them as equals, exchange ideas, collaborate on projects and become friends has been an incredible experience. I will hopefully be in touch with everyone for a long time.

Learn more about the CoLAB program here and follow Ansh Vohra on Instagram!

Exchange Visitor Profile: Eugenio Saenz Flores

August 22, 2019March 28, 2016 by CEP Intern

Looking back, what are your thoughts about your experience at Aurora Productions?

Aurora Productions was by far one of the best times I have had since my career started. Finishing school and moving to New York to work with them was a dream come true. Suddenly I was not on only one but over half a dozen Broadway theatres. Throughout my time there we worked in over a dozen Broadway shows, a couple off-Broadway and some national tours. Suddenly I was sitting in an empty theatre a few seats away from Woody Allen as we both watched a run of the play he had written. I believe that what I learned as an intern at Aurora Productions were lessons I could not have learned in any classroom and eventually opened many doors to let me be where I am now.

What projects are you working on now in Vancouver?

I am currently one of the three Technical Directors at the Arts Club Theatre Company, Canada’s largest western theatre company. I am overseeing our largest venue, the Stanley Stage, where we produce everything from a two-hander play to a full on musical productions. I am also in charge of the regional tours.

What are some of the differences, if any, in working in New York City versus in Vancouver?

I think one of the biggest difference from working in Vancouver, rather than New York, other than the budgets (and tourists), is that in New York I was able to work on shows that later got produced all over North America and sometimes the world. For instance here at the Arts Club, they have produced a handful of plays that I was able to work on Broadway.

What advice would you have for someone who is starting a J-1 program?

Transitioning from school life to work life can be scary, but with an internship program it allows you to slowly transition to a full time working mode while still being trained and slowly be given more responsibility. At least for me I feel my internship program advanced my career a couple of years just by interning a couple of months.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

People within the same city think, act and do things differently, no try leaving your country. Having the chance to go intern elsewhere allows us to see how other people think, work and live. This ultimately improves how we see the world and how we do things. Opportunities like this not only broaden our perspective of the world, it also allows us to share our culture and way of doing things to other people. It is always a two way street, we will gain out of a cultural exchange as much as we are willing to give.

Exchange Visitor Profile: Richard Jones

August 22, 2019June 4, 2015 by CEP Intern

Looking back, what are your thoughts about your experience at 101 Productions?

Incredible - 10 months since leaving my 18 months away feels weirdly like a dream! I learned so much, both professionally and personally, and feel like I’ve returned to the UK with a whole new New York family, and many new ways of looking at my career.

What projects are you working on now in London?

I am now working for David Pugh Productions Ltd. on a variety of projects using many of the experiences I learnt in New York to good use!

What advice would you have for someone who is starting an exchange program?

Be open to everything; say yes to every opportunity that comes your way; talk to everyone you can; ask questions at every chance you get; go to bed tired every night!

What are some of the differences, if any, in working in theater in New York versus in London?

Everything is bigger and faster! Ultimately, it’s the same on both sides of the pond - to produce great theatre that is artistically and commercially successful … but the ways of getting there, thought process and roles that people take are all slightly varied. There is definitely more money involved in the United States - shows costs a lot more to mount on Broadway than they do in the West End in almost every area, and therefore there’s a lot more investors’ money on the line - but it means when you get a hit on Broadway, the financial rewards are also bigger. The presence of such a large subsidized sector of the theatre industry in the UK is also one of the major, major differences.

Exchange Visitor Profile: Daniel Arosemena

August 22, 2019February 26, 2015 by CEP Intern

Q: Tell us about one of your favorite projects you worked on in your internship.

There were many interesting projects I worked on during my internship, but without a doubt the most important, and my favorite, was the runway collection for Autumn/Winter 2015-16. I had the privilege to assist the design team during the inception, development and production of the collection. I was able to contribute with digital work, help with the organization of styles and fabrications and collaborate with the communication with the factories. Theproject culminated with a trip to Paris to help the team prepare everything for the show, which was unreal.

Q: Where was your favorite place to go to in New York?

New York is an amazing city that has so much to offer it is almost impossible to think of only one favorite place; but if I had to choose it would be Central Park. I enjoyed walking on the park, having a pretzel from time to time and looking at the gorgeous view of Manhattan; it is the perfect combination of romance and modernity that characterizes New York so much. It was also very cool to go ice-skating during the Christmas season with holiday music in the background and a cup of hot chocolate to keep you warm.

Q: Tell us about a funny or interesting moment you have experienced during your program.

Just at the beginning of my program I had to go to one of the suppliers in midtown to get some information that was needed in the studio. After receiving it, the owner of the factory asked me if I wanted to have a look at the place and get to know how the products were made. The brand creates handmade flowers from fabric in a million different ways. I got to see how the fabrics were treated, cut in traditional machines and assembled into appliqués. It was interesting to see that kind of tradition still being used and applied in fashion.

Q: What was your favorite new food you have tried in the United States?

My favorite new food is Korean. I had never had it before New York and a good friend of mine, Korean, happened to know a great place in Korean town. I tried kimchi and Korean stew and I found them delicious. I had such a great experience that when my husband came to visit, I took him there and he really enjoyed it.

Q: What has been your favorite cultural activity so far?

I tried to make the best out of my stay in New York and went to many events. Theater, museums, parades; they were all amazing but the one I found most interesting was the New York art book fair at the PS1 MoMA in Long Island. I liked how many people gathered to look for inspiration of all sorts. From expensive rare editions or art books to cheap independent booklets, everyone was interested in art and opened to interact with other artists. During the event rappers and DJs played live in the venue to keep the atmosphere up.

Q: What are some of the differences, if any, in working in the arts in the United States versus in the Netherlands and/or other countries where you have worked?

I experienced many differences between the two countries, especially in the way of working. New York demands a 24/7 attitude with a lot of energy and drive. People don’t stop moving and they are always hungry for more. What I really like is that the American industry is open to new ideas even if they are very radical and out of the box. In The Netherlands on the other hand has a calmer rhythm and is most important to achieve a balanced level of quality and quantity. What can sometimes be hard in Europe is that people are not as open to any idea because they have seen such much that people would quickly dismiss something that they don’t find interesting.

Q: You recently went to Paris to work with Thom Browne, tell us more about your experience there?

My trip to Paris was the perfect ending to the internship. I saw how everything came together. From the casting, the fittings, the last minute sewing to the dressing of the models it was a race to the start of the show. I had a lot of hours of labor but the adrenaline kept me on track to work as hard as ever. The experience helped me to have a better appreciation of a professional show; to keep in mind the big picture and to be focused and be consistent with the vision of the spectacle.

You can take a closer look at Thom Browne’s Fall 2015 Menswear collection here.

Exchange Visitor Profile: Shariffa Ali

August 22, 2019November 14, 2014 by CEP Intern

Q: Tell us about one of your favorite projects you are working on in your internship.

I intern for a department in the Public Theater called PUBLIC WORKS, a major new initiative of The Public Theater that seeks to engage the people of New York by making them creators and not just spectators. Working with community partner organizations in all five boroughs, PUBLIC WORKS invites members of diverse communities to participate in theater workshops, to attend classes, to attend productions, and to become involved in the daily life of The Public Theater. PUBLIC WORKS deliberately blur the line between professional artists and community members: it will create theater that is not only for the people, but by and of the people as well.

A highlight this year was working with the cast and production team of THE WINTER’S TALE. This was a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s play featuring more than 200 New Yorkers from all five boroughs performing alongside professional actors and The Public’s community partners. The show ran for three nights only, September 5-7, at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. I was part of the team that co- ordinated the cast of community members, I was able to lead and facilitate the artistic process of a variety of people from all walks of life and all ages from itty bitty children to Senior Citizens. I was able to form genuine bonds with the members of the PUBLIC WORKS community ensemble and learn more about directing a large scale production that lies at the intersection between humanitarianism and entertainment.

Q: What is your favorite place to go to in New York?

New York is an incredibly vibrant robust city that is filled to the brim with enchanting and exciting spaces, to fit my every mood and fancy. Each new day offers new locations and nooks to explore and experience- it’s simply too hard for me to narrow down a few favorites. I am lucky enough that my internship requires me to experience each of the 5 Burroughs and I am proud to have been able to comb through the city from the tip of the Bronx to the tail of Brooklyn.

I love strolling past the beautiful brownstones in West Harlem–the Riverside Church with its intricate architecture and interesting attendees is a firm favorite. The Grand central main terminal featuring the famed domed painted ceiling evokes a sense of awe and wonder in me when I am in commute. When hungry for nature, a walk through the flowers at the Highline or a nap under a tree in Central Park will do. The bright beaming lights of the Times Square theatre district late at night have a way of reminding me that I am in fact living in the city of my dreams. An occasional trip to Williamsburg and Bushwick gives a friendly dose of quirky eclectic fun.

Q: Tell us about a funny or interesting moment you have experienced during your program.

Getting lost several times before ultimately finding ones destination can be a frustrating and fulfilling experience. Finding delight in unplanned adventures and encounters and continuing to remain in wonder of ones surroundings. These are just some of the highlights I have experienced during my time in the city. While interning at Public I have had the fortune of meeting some iconic figures in the theatre and film world!

Q: What is your favorite new food you have tried in the United States? What has been your favorite cultural activity so far?

I am a huge fan of Xian Famous Foods in the East Village for their mouthwatering spicy lamb cumin burgers. When I feel like a grown up and my budget permits, I head to The Red Rooster Lennox 125th street for their sleek and slick Harlem atmosphere. My summer favorite is a place I know only as ‘Caribe’ – an informal shebeen style establishment run by a stern Matriarch loved for their super affordable Puerto Rican Beer, Festive atmosphere and complimentary meals!

Q: What are some of the differences, if any, in working in the arts in the U.S. versus in your home country?

There is a vast difference between the infrastructure and funding of the arts in the USA. There are more opportunities and platforms for artists to develop and present their work. Because the arts industry is so large here, it is also extremely competitive and attracts people from different countries who have a plethora of skills and experiences, this makes for a very stimulating work experience. There is also a general sense of open heartedness and a willingness to collaborate. My training in my home country allows me to bring a fresh sense of perspective and approach to all my artistic endeavors which I value tremendously. I think there is a great variety and immense freedom of expression in the arts in the USA.

You can find Shariffa on Twitter and Instagram.

Host Spotlight: WORKac

August 22, 2019October 30, 2014 by CEP Intern

WORKac, based in New York City, is interested in positing architecture at the intersection of the urban, the rural and the natural. WORKac has achieved international acclaim for projects such as the recently completed master plan for the New Holland Island Cultural Center in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wieden+Kennedy’s 50,000 sq ft, three story New York offices, the Blaffer Museum in Houston, Texas, the Children’s Museum of the Arts in Manhattan and the Edible Schoolyard at P.S. 216 in Gravesend, Brooklyn.

We got in touch with Sarah Dunham, Director of Communications at WORKac, to hear her thoughts about being one of our host organizations.

Q: What are some of your favorite things about hosting exchange visitors?

We love having a diverse group of international people in our office! Hosting J1 exchange visitors allows us to work with architecture students from around the world, which brings fresh perspectives to our office on a regular basis.

Q: What are some of the neat work-related tasks that WORKac interns get to do?

Interns at WORKac are involved in nearly every phase of the design process for projects that they work on. In addition to 3D modeling and rendering, interns are crucial to the physical model-making process, which is an important part of the design process at WORKac. Helping to translate design ideas into physical models allows the team to test ideas quickly and understand the spatial implications of a range of design options for various aspects of a process.

Q: What are some of the cultural activities that WORKac interns get to take part in?

Depending on what part of the year they have joined the office, interns generally get to enjoy the annual summer party out in Rhode Island which involves camping, kayaking, beach days, and good food, or the annual holiday party which has featured epic karaoke in the past. Every so often interns will get to visit some of our recently completed projects including the new offices for Wieden+Kennedy New York and the Edible Schoolyard Project at PS216. Rarely (but it does happen!) interns may get to attend an event hosted by Zero + Maria Cornejo, a brand whose retail stores we designed a few years back. In addition, we tend to have happy hours in the office every few weeks and we always send interns off with a small get-together to say thanks!

Q: What should people do if they are interested in applying to the WORKac internship program?

We receive applications on a rolling basis so they can send any materials to hr@work.ac. We are not able to host a ton of people at a time so spots are a bit limited but we would love to talk with any interested students!

You can view WORKac’s portfolio here.

Exchange Visitor Profile: Katherine Man

August 22, 2019July 3, 2014 by CEP Intern

Q: Tell us about one of your favorite projects you are working on.

Whilst working at Vera Wang, I was able to assist the design team on three collections: Ready-to-wear Fall 2014, Bridal 2015 and Resort 2015. I enjoyed working with the bridal team as I was able to experiment with fabric manipulations in delicate tulle and hand-sew embroidery samples. It was great to see my samples being used and inputted into weekly fittings which were further developed. I was honoured to see the final collection, knowing that my creative eye had been a part of these beautiful designs. It was amazing to see gorgeous gowns in production every day as I realised how much craftsmanship and time was put in, from draping the silhouette to pressing each individual pleat of a bodice. As an aspiring designer it has been a truly inspiring experience.

Q: What is your favorite place to go in New York?

The Lower East Side is my favourite area of the city because it’s perfect for the younger crowd and it’s very chilled. My favourite area is Soho, which has a mix of designer boutiques and smaller art galleries. East Village is great for restaurants that are not too expensive - I’m addicted to bubble tea and dumplings so I always head to a place called Tkettle!

Q: Tell us about an interesting moment you have experienced during your program.

I have been blessed to have met some amazing people. You never know who you may bump into in NYC. I met Gok Wan, a UK fashion stylist, whilst on an errand at work and got a photo with him. I also made great friends outside of work and we bonded like glue. We even went to a Brooklyn Nets game and saw Rihanna! I have made the closest friend for life that I will stay in touch with forever, despite being on the other side of the world.

Q: What is your favorite new food you have tried in New York?

I’m not too adventurous when it comes to trying new foods as I’m a vegetarian! But I found an amazing restaurant called Westville that is known for healthy and tasty vegetarian meals. They make vegetables taste really good with their seasoning from oyster mushrooms with garlic and herbs to kale with shallots - I will be making a trip back!

Q: What has been your favorite cultural activity so far?

I visited the “Ai Wei Wei: According to What?” exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum which was powerfully moving. I also went to the “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art which allowed me to see the sculptural, mathematical and scientific methods of constructing his gowns from sketches and pattern pieces to completed works.

Check out some collections Katherine worked on:

Vera Wang WRTW Fall 2014
Vera Wang Bridal SPRING 2015

You can also connect with Katherine on LinkedIn.

Exchange Visitor Profile: Emilio Vavarella

August 22, 2019April 17, 2014 by CEP Intern

Q: Tell us about one of your favorite projects you are working on.

Among many other projects on which I’m collaborating at Harvestworks, the one I want to talk about is a personal project that I started when I moved from Venice to New York. It’s called MEMORYSCAPES and it’s a multimedia installation, based on my research on memory, error, technology, subjectivity and virtuality. The project investigates how memory and reality affect one another, through notions of architecture and related mental images, resulting in a complex body of work. To carry out the project, I’m using Harvestworks’ computers and recording studio, with the support of audio engineer Kevin Ramsay for a series of interviews with Italian and Italian-Americans who I’ve met in NYC. At the end, I will produce a series of holograpich photographs that will present a 3D model of Venice, altered by the collective memory of the people I’ve interviewed. The project is also supported by the Jarach Gallery in Venice, so it truly represents a bridge between these two amazing islands: Manhattan and Venice, which I consider my two adoptive homes.

Q: What is your favorite place to go to in New York?

I love to walk along the Brooklyn Bridge at night, and look at the beautiful skyline while listening to music. I love working in Manhattan, and spending time at the art galleries in Chelsea, but I also love living in the peaceful and beautiful neighborhood of Fort Greene, where I can work and relax in silence.

Q: What is your favorite new food you have tried in the United States?

I love that I can find all the things I loved in the countries I’ve lived in over the last few years. If you spend some time and energy looking, you can find a perfect espresso or Turkish coffee, amazing Israeli rugelach … basically everything you can find in the rest of the world, but all in one place!

You can view Emilio’s work here.