By Ojal Arya
As part of Monmouth Arts' 50th Anniversary, we're taking the time to showcase some of our nonprofit member groups that form the foundation of Monmouth Arts' creative community. We understand that this reopening phase of COVID-19 presents its own challenges, so we're hoping to shine a light on the work being done in this area. For the first in this series, we're looking at Siren Arts, a summer residency and exhibition program launched in 2017 by Transformer, a Washington, DC organization founded by New Jersey native Victoria Reis. We checked in with Transformer's Marketing & Communications Associate, Hanna Thompson, to see what's currently going on with Siren Arts and this summer's performance art series, entitled "Ripple."
For those who aren't familiar with you, please give us a short description of your nonprofit.
Based in Washington, DC, Transformer is an artist-centered 501 (c) 3 non-profit visual arts organization that connects and promotes emerging artists & emerging arts leaders within local, national and international contexts. Our mission is to provide a consistent, supportive, and professional platform for these artists and arts leaders to explore and present experimental artistic concepts, build audiences for their work, and advance their careers.
Give one example of a way you've seen your organization's work make a difference.
Transformer achieves our mission through the development and presentation of innovative exhibitions and educational programs that increase dialogue, understanding, and audiences for contemporary visual art. Our programs and services are designed to help artists grow their audience and patronage, while educating them about opportunities for sustainability. Through extensive partnerships with artists, curators, and a diverse range of cultural institutions, Transformer serves as a catalyst and advocate for emergent expression in the visual arts.
How are you operating your nonprofit right
now in regards to reopening? Have you made any adaptations due to COVID-19 that our readers would be interested in hearing about?
During COVID-19, Transformer's public programming moved to a mostly online platform. We are slowly bringing summer programming back to in person and are looking forward to going back to supporting artists in person. The Siren Arts programs are one of the many ways we are doing so.
Can you share an interesting anecdote or something about your nonprofit that would surprise people?
Transformer has been support emerging artists for nearly 20 years! Founded in 2002, Transformer is an exciting and essential part of the Washington, DC
cultural community, providing a broad range of experience to artists and audiences.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2021?
We are HIGHLY looking forward to returning to supporting artists in person by allowing the public in our gallery space and throwing events for the rest of the year.
Monmouth Arts has a great network of arts supporters. How can our members and readers support your nonprofit right now?
Ripple is our newest performance art series that will be held every Thursday at the 2nd Avenue Beach in Asbury Park. Transformer is supporting five east coast based artists presenting innovative performance art works that address human and environmental interconnectedness. The events are free and open to the public -- please join us!
Where can people find your group?
Website: www.transformerdc.org
@transformerdc
Interested in becoming a nonprofit member like Transformer? Become a member of Monmouth Arts today!