The Work of the Culture Project
Sarah Jones in Bridge & Tunnel
Since its founding in 1996 by Allan Buchman, Culture Project has been a leading force in using art to address pressing social and political issues. By combining journalism with the arts, powerful, timely productions are created that resonate with audiences and inspire change. From theater to music, film, and new media, the work uplifts the human spirit, sparks public discourse, and drives political action.
Culture Project has hosted renowned artists like Meryl Streep, Danny Glover, and Mary J. Blige, whose performances champion social justice. Notable productions include Sarah Jones' Bridge & Tunnel, which was co-produced with Meryl Streep and later moved to Broadway, and Staceyann Chin’s Border/Clash: A Litany of Desires, exploring themes of immigration and identity.
Impact
Culture Project has long been at the forefront of creating bold, politically charged art. Launching initiatives like Women Center Stage in 2004 to address the underrepresentation of women in theater. The annual festivals, such as IMPACT: Where Culture and Politics Collide, have brought together over 100 productions from theater, film, music, and debate, tackling critical political and social issues.
In 2002, The Exonerated brought national attention to the injustices of the U.S. death penalty, leading to a landmark shift in public perception. Productions like Guantanamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom (2004) and Guardians (2006) have highlighted urgent global human rights violations, drawing worldwide attention to issues like torture and political oppression.
Legacy
Culture Project’s productions sparked meaningful change and played a crucial role in shifting public consciousness. From highlighting the impact of systemic injustice to addressing the pressing realities of climate change and immigration, the work has consistently driven social and political transformation through the power of art.
Nancy Harrow discusses the inspiration and music behind The Cat Who Went to Heaven, which premiered as a puppet show at The Culture Project in 2008, with subsequent performances at the Asia Society and the Kennedy Center.
Notable Productions
MotherStruck!
The Seagull
Shaheed
The Adventures of Maya the Bee
And God Created Great Whales
Imagining Heschel
Expatriate
The Cat Who Went to Heaven
Betrayed
Tings Dey Happen
Amajuba
Guardians
Prater Violet