INTERVIEW: wild project vies for permanence in NYC
Photo: wild project’s founding artistic director Ana Mari de Quesada is helping to support a capital campaign to purchase the building where wild project has been located for years. Photo courtesy of Paul Logston / Provided by Emily Owens PR with permission.
wild project, the respected theater institution on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, is currently raising funds to purchase its longtime home on East 3rd Street, according to press notes. The creative company has launched a capital campaign called “Root Us in the LES” to secure the future of the 89-seat theater, which has hosted many theatrical projects over the years. Recent shows include Three Can Keep a Secret, as part of the New York City Fringe Festival; B*itchcraft, a bio-musical; and The Ask with Tony Award nominee Betsy Aidem.
Here’s some history to better understand wild project’s mission: “Last year, wild project was awarded a $1,000,000 grant from former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and a $250,000 grant from the LoCAP fund via NYS Senator Brian Kavanaugh’s office, helping to propel the campaign forward.”
Recently Founding Artistic Director Ana Mari de Quesada exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to talk about the campaign, how it’s going so far and what audiences can expect in the future. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How did this opportunity to purchase the building come about?
Our landlord would like for us to secure our future and have given us an opportunity to purchase the building from them.
Do you feel hopeful that you’ll meet your fundraising goals?
We are cautiously optimistic. We are in discussion with some private funders that have taken interest in our efforts.
How is the performing arts venue eco-friendly?
When we first opened our doors in July 2007, wild project was one of the first eco-friendly small venues in New York City, and we still maintain that philosophy today as it is part of our mission as a nonprofit. Our 89-seat theater features solar panels on the roof that help power the theater, a rooftop garden, risers made from repurposed bamboo, and we use only biodegradable and environmentally friendly products at our concession to serve patrons.
What would be the added benefits of owning your own building as opposed to renting the space?
Owning our space would guarantee that the building will remain an arts and culture space. It would cement wild project’s future and secure a home for the independent artists of today and for generations to come — keeping New York City’s, and specifically East Village’s, rich history of exciting new work, a place for artists to experiment and have the freedom of expression. Owning the building would allow us to expand our programming and community outreach, expand our staff and create a larger workforce.
How is today’s wild project different from its previous incarnations?
wild project is different from its previous incarnations because in 2016 wild project transitioned from just a mere “rental house” to a nonprofit and producing organization whose mission is to support historically underrepresented, independent artists through initiatives and programs that provide free space, pay and the opportunity to grow their audience. We also continue to be a stable theater home for many established downtown theater companies through our Resident Theater program by providing those companies with supportive staff, high quality equipment and a well cared for space.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
