Lifting the Ground Up [iter.02]
Lifting the Ground Up [iter.02] is a site-specific, public performance art ritual inspired by the element of earth and incorporates sound, visuals, plants, and scent. Through the restoration of native ecology, land stewardship, and communal care, it is a durational tribute to the communities of San Juan Hill that Lincoln Center’s architectural and cultural footprint has woefully erased in its process of existence.
The two-year project begins in Fall 2023 with a solo performance art ritual staged by interdisciplinary artist, performer, healer, and ITP alum Rena Anakwe. The performance art ritual will be performed to prepare the land for a community native planting ceremony with attendees, who can sign up to participate and plant will plant together, in the ritual. Additionally, a series of plant medicine workshops will be held, for school-aged children to sign up and attend.
In Spring 2024, the plants will be revisited with a welcoming ritual and a series of collaborative sound (healing) circles performed with local musicians and sound practitioners, staged at Lincoln Center’s Bandshell for the public to attend. Plants will be given away to attendees of the Fall 2023 ritual to continue their life cycles throughout NYC. Additionally, local NYC businesses will have the opportunity to house a native plants garden, free of charge and upon request, at the close of the project by accepting a planter.
Learn more about the Communal Planting Ceremony and Performance Art Ritual here, and click here for more information on the Social Sculpture Project.