As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, the inaugural initiative called Knight New Work was launched. An open call to artists and arts organizations, its aim was to celebrate innovative ideas that embodied the diverse essence of Miami and to showcase the exceptional talent within its performing arts community.

Among the winning projects, which premiered from September to May 2018, were a theater production highlighting the Haitian-immigrant experience, a nontraditional ballet blending Latin salsa, tango, and flamenco, immersive theater experiences, Afropunk aesthetics, and modern-classical fusions of song and dance.
A total of $500,000 was awarded to five winners.

2018 KNIGHT NEW WORK WINNERS:

Danzas del Silencio – $50,000
Artist: Alvaro Bermudez, guitarist and composer

Presenter: Seraphic Fire, in partnership with New World Center

A compelling, innovative choral and guitar collaboration between Grammy-nominated ensemble Seraphic Fire and guitarist Alvaro Bermudez that will blend Colombian dance rhythms with Bach’s orchestral structure. 

DECO “Danzon of Eclectic Cultural Origin” – $80,000
Artist: Kevin Jenkins, choreographer

Presenter: Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami

A nontraditional ballet inspired by Miami’s unique identity and the city’s Latin energy, blending the flavors of salsa, tango, flamenco and contemporary ballet technique. The production incorporates original scenic work by Edouard Duval-Carrié and costumes by Andrea Spiridonakos. 

F/Punk Junkies – $115,000
Artist: Teo Castellanos, actor, writer and director

Presenter: Miami Light Project

A dance theater experience that will disrupt traditional ways of both creating and experiencing art, incorporating Afropunk aesthetics, improvisation and both live and recorded music. The production is a collaboration with choreographer Augusto Soledade and Miami saxophonist Leo Casino.

G7: 2070: An Immersive Theatrical Summit – $75,000
Artist: William Hector, playwright 

An immersive theatrical summit set in a flooded Miami 50 years from now that invites participants to join the delegations of countries old and new as they take part in negotiations to determine the fate of the world. The production will unite audience and actors, redefining traditional spaces as ripe ground for engaging, interactive storytelling.

The Edwidge Danticat Project: Create Dangerously – $150,000
Artist: Lileana Blain-Cruz, theater director, in partnership with Miami New Drama

A theatrical dramatization of novelist and Little Haiti resident Edwidge Danticat’s “Create Dangerously: The Immigrant Artist at Work” that amplifies the Haitian-immigrant perspective. The production will bring Danticat’s stories onto the stage, with music, projections and movement. 

Promotion of the Knight New Work Miami 2020-21 Season – $30,000
Support for promotion and marketing of these exciting works when they premiere.

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