Since 1990, the Center for Traditional Music and Dance has produced collaborative events in diverse ethnic communities of New York City. Funded initially by the Folk and Traditional Arts Program of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Center has carried out six past and present projects in the Albanian, Arab, Dominican, West African, Asian Indian and Former Soviet Jewish communities of New York in collaboration with community artists.

CCI Mission

To support the practice and perpetuation of traditional, root and evolved performing arts in specific ethnic communities of New York through performance projects, publicity, fundraising and technical assistance. The Center collaborates with community artists, institutions, educators, community organizers, local business and media to achieve the general mission and to see that the programs reach a primarily community audience and have the best opportunity to become a viable, on-going presence in the cultural life of the communities.

Development Timetable

Each Community Cultural Initiative follows a four phase timetable. Each phase lasts approximately one year, from the initiation of the projects, through a supported collaboration, and to the ultimate goal of autonomous management.

Phase One: Solicitation of interest and community based proposals, CTMD project proposal writing, solicitation of endorsements and funding. Initiation of research and establishment of an organizing committee if funding is secured.

Phase Two: Research and organizing leading to first presentation and related activities such as public forums and INREACH (educational) concerts. Research includes: identification and documentation of artists and traditions, venue surveys, community outreach, technical development, publicity/outreach, event production, documentation and evaluation.

Phase Three: Similar production process to phase two, but with a consolidation of the program and heightened fund raising and development of major dedicated political, government, foundation and corporate support to the project, which can remain with it when the Center ends its direct involvement.

Phase Four: Continuity and independence. In this phase, the organizing committee or local community entity takes on the bulk of responsibility for the project. The Center may continue temporarily as a fiscal sponsor, or provide technical assistance as needed.

Current CCIs Public Events

Past CCI Events