It was an inspiring evening of advocacy for the arts at the third annual New Yorkers for Culture and Arts Awards Gala 2024 held at Mabou Mines on East 9th Street in the East Village on June 10th. This was a gathering where New York artists, entrepreneurs, and local politicians, who have staunchly advocated and pushed the boundaries towards supporting the New York City arts scene, were celebrated for their astonishing achievements.
At the center of ceremonies, stood the preeminent ballet dancer of our time, Mikhail Baryshnikov who was introduced to present the Culture Hero Award to Cora Cahan for her special contributions to New York artists over five decades.
Known to his friends as “Misha,” Baryshnikov became world famous and synonymous with ballet taking the world by storm in the 70s and 80s after defecting to the United States in 1974 from the Soviet Union, when he began a long association with the American Ballet Theater.
Baryshnikov’s Role in Revitalizing the New York City Arts Scene
Although most of the world has long recognized Baryshnikov as the quintessence of ballet and for acting in roles in The Turning Point and later as Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) dashing love interest in Sex and the City, most New Yorkers do not realize the immense contributions he has made toward revitalizing the local arts scene that helps New York artists thrive.
In 2005 at the age of 57, he opened the Baryshnikov Arts Center in Hell’s Kitchen to give people in the dance and theater world the time and space to create their art. Here was a place where struggling choreographers and dancers could work on their projects, whether it be for one day or up to several weeks.
When the Center first opened, Baryshnikov remained active by performing with the dancers. Approaching 60, remarkably he could still produce captivating performances at 100 percent capacity. Through the Center, he brought student dancers from Julliard and NYU together and they formed the Hell’s Kitchen Dance Group. Baryshnikov and the dance group would later go on to tour the U.S and Brazil.
He has been quoted saying that he wasn’t trying to change the New York arts scene, he simply wanted to give artists a space where they “can feel comfortable and produce something personal and beautiful.” As such, the center has long offered residencies for dancers and choreographers. “Luckily I’ve made enough money not to work for money. I work only when I really want to,” said Baryshnikov, now 76 years old.
Cora Cahan’s Extraordinary Contributions to the New York Arts Scene
In 2019, Baryshnikov asked Cora Cahan to take the helm of the Baryshnikov Arts Center. From 2019 -2022 during the worst of the pandemic, together they created a digital program that commissioned eight pieces from an incredible array of artists. All the artists and team collaborated remotely. During this most difficult time, through Cora’s extraordinary skills and determination, the Center survived. No jobs were lost and no salaries had to be reduced.
Baryshnikov also explained that for decades, Cahan had secured, renovated, and established extraordinary spaces for dance, theater, and art-making in New York City – one of the most challenging cities for securing real estate, particularly for making a home for artists.
When accepting the award, she joked she had known “Misha” for 50 years. And Baryshnikov joked that she only accepted his offer because “Bernie” (Cora’s husband) told her it was “okay.”
Other Great New Yorkers Who Were Celebrated
Council Member Justin Brannan won the Cultural Stewardship Award. Brannan has built his reputation as a fighter for the “little guy” and a champion for increased arts and music funding in public schools.
Before becoming an elected leader, Brannan worked in a range of cultural organizations. He started out as a musician before entering local politics, cutting his teeth during his college years playing in several NYC punk rock bands and gigging in clubs like CBGB’s. His band later toured the world performing in over 50 countries.
Brannan now serves as Chair of Finance of the most powerful committee representing southwest Brooklyn, overseeing the largest municipal budget in the country. The council has been able to pass record-breaking budgets for culture in four of the past five years.
Ruchira Gupta, an Emmy-Award winning journalist, filmmaker, and author who founded Apne Aap won the Artist Advocate Award for helping marginalized women and combating sex trafficking.
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KAJU ROBERTO is an accomplished musician, singer/ songwriter, journalist, and an award-winning producer. He is the artist Rad Jet on Spotify.