WAA’s renowned biennial retreat, formerly known as the Leadership Institute, is back—rechristened the WAA Institute—and heading south of the border to the charming resort and fishing community of Mazatlan. Every few years, WAA convenes three-day retreats in a relaxed environment that stimulates conversation and encourages participants to think broadly and creatively about issues and practices in the performing arts.
If you are a presenter or manager with an interest in working in México, representing or presenting Mexican artists (who can afford to ignore the Mexican audience?), don’t miss this retreat! Build the insight you need to overcome the challenges of language and culture. How does touring and presenting work in México? How do you find artists that will appeal to Mexican Americans in your community and put forward a promotions program that has authenticity? Increase your understanding of audience segments in the Mexican American population.
Through a combination of panels, lectures, facilitated discussions, guests from diverse fields and networking events, you will learn new tools, strategies, and techniques to engage this growing and important community. While formal sessions will focus on programming and the Mexican audience, the retreat’s popular open-forum will provide a great opportunity for freewheeling discussion on a range of topics and ideas.
Previous programs have taken place in Carmel, Lake Tahoe, and Santa Fe. The 2010 retreat will happen in downtown Mazatlan around the old Centro Histórico at the historic Plaza Machada—far from the resorts, timeshares, and condos frequented by tourists. Most programs will take place at the Teatro Angela Peralta, home of Delfos Danza Contemporánea. Last month the New York Times Travel section profiled Mazatlan: “Music is everywhere in the Centro Histórico, the resurrected arts district and architectural marvel of this city on México’s west coast. So are galleries, sidewalk cafes and that illusive, prized product of a cosmopolitan city: the so-called creative class — artists, actors, writers, musicians, designers, hipsters, foodies and fashionistas.”
Confirmed guests include Delfos Danza Contemporánea’s Artistic Director Claudia Lavista and dancer/choreographer Omar Carrum, winner of a 2009 Guggenheim Fellowship. Claudia and Omar will present a fascinating look into their 1998 move from México City to Mazatlan, then known as a sleepy fishing town. It was a bold move that changed the artistic trajectory of the company and helped spark the renaissance of the Centro Histórico. Other guests will be confirmed shortly.
The retreat is tentatively scheduled for May 2010 (exact dates TBA). Registration is expected to be approximately $350, plus hotel (area hotels range from $65-$125 including breakfast). WAA will be offering a limited number of scholarships for emerging leaders of member organizations to attend. For more information, email staff@westarts.org.
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