Home - National Performance Network

We are a vibrant network of artists and organizations committed to advancing racial and cultural justice through the arts.

Photo credits

<em>Speculum</em>, Black Venus. Photo: Dom Wise.

Speculum, Black Venus. Photo: Dom Wise.

Jim White/Paul Fonfara Residency. Photo: Jeff Machtig.

<em>Brain Storm</em>, Everett Dance Theater, Laura Colella.

Brain Storm, Everett Dance Theater, Laura Colella.

Allison Akotchook Warden. Photo: Nicholas Galanin.

<em>Up Wake Part III</em>, Natasha Tsakos. Photo: Travis Neff.

Up Wake Part III, Natasha Tsakos. Photo: Travis Neff.

Envision a world in which:

artists have greater power and resources for meaningful, sustainable careers;
strong networks maximize their collective wisdom, resources and leadership;
cultural infrastructure reflects deeper partnerships and more equitable practices;
and communities have greater opportunity and capacity for civic engagement, representation and joy.

Learn more about us and our mission

Photo: ReVUE, Sidra Bell Dance New York, credit: Mariana Sheppard

Photo: Closer, Sean Smuda, courtesy of the artist

Photo: The School for the Movement of the Technicolor People, taisha paggett, credit: Lynn Lane

Mixed Metaphor

A Liberatory Infrastructure Toolkit for Arts & Culture Organizations

Leveraging a Network for Equity's (LANE) Mixed Metaphor Liberatory Infrastructure toolkit is made for people who believe culture is the fulcrum of social change, and who care about co-creating equitable and liberated processes around leadership and organizations. It includes a workbook and a learning deck tool.

Explore LANE's Mixed Metaphor

VOICES FROM THE NETWORK

// Stories of Art and Liberation

Greer E. Mendy: Weaving Cultural Legacies Through “Blues To Bounce”

With over fifty years of experience, Greer E. Mendy’s latest project, Blues To Bounce, is an eloquent narrative that captures the essence of New Orleans’ vibrant cultural tapestry.

Cosmic Wisdom: How a Channeled Poem Inspired Me to Create the Solo Piece Ouroboros

As a dancer and choreographer, I often find inspiration in the most unexpected places. This time, it came from a channeled poem—a message from the universe that deeply resonated with me and became the cornerstone of my solo piece, Ouroboros.

Atomic Repercussions: Yvonne Montoya’s “Pajarito”

A video essay on Pajarito, a dance performance created by choreographer Yvonne Montoya as part of the Stories from Home dance series

Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular

Queer culture, stunt showmanship, and puppetry all collide for the Rogue Artists Ensemble’s Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular, informed by five plus years of conversations and workshops with the LGBTQIA+ stunt community.

View all