(Takoma Park, MD)

Ferocious Beauty: Genome

Total Award: $100,000 over 18 months

To support Ferocious Beauty: Genome, a theatrical work that builds an understanding of the possibilities and social dilemmas arising from genetic research. Genetic studies and genetic engineering have had an impact on controlling the pollination and/or the shelf life of plants, and finding cures for genetic diseases such as Parkinson's disease and sickle cell anemia. Questions raised by this body of research include: Who owns our genes? and Where do we draw the line concerning acceptable genetic experimentation? Will the benefits of genetic research (such as prolonged life) become high-priced luxuries or basic human rights? Ferocious Beauty: Genome will explore the ethical and social impact of genetic research through a choreographic work combining movement, sound, and a range of projected imagery including video, still image, text, and graphics. The completed project will mirror a dialogue between multiple voices: artistic, scientific and scholarly in all their varied perspectives. The integrated public programming activities are being produced with a network of partners. Dance Exchange will build an understanding of underlying science concepts and human implications of genome research, work with an advisory committee comprised of leaders in genome science, media and science education; collaborate with research institutions, artists and scholars, create the work and perform at six venues throughout the country; develop workshops and town meetings led by teams of artists and scientist who will develop strategies for presenting the issues, work with six universities and presenters across the country; and do lecture/demonstrations for the attending public.

Program Contribution Breakdown:
$40,000 Arts and Culture Program: Objective I, Strategy 1
$30,000 Health Program: Objective II, Strategy 2
$30,000 Interprogram Initiatives for Social and Economic Justice: Objectives I & II