Early Era Collective

Early Era Collective's "Rising from the Roots" celebrates U.S. immigrants through filmed interviews and live dance. Produced September 13-15, 2024 at the George Washington Carver Museum, this exhibit-style live production featured interviewees and artists who have immigrated from Lebanon, Palestine, Bangladesh, Belgium, the Philippines, and more. Co-Produced by Chakra Media Company, interviews featured activists, educators, spiritual leaders, and artists working for change in their communities. Live performances from Austin Dance India, A'lante Flamenco, Oro Dance Company, and Alexa Capareda + Lisa del Rosario highlighted Austin's diverse dance community. Across 10 showings, small audiences of up to 25 viewers were guided through the Museum as our production unfolded. This production was sponsored, in part, by the City of Austin Economic Development Department and the Artist Access Program. Most grants funding was received in 2023 and expended in 2024 for this production.

"Rising From the Roots OKC" was selected as one of 14 Cultural Week of Action projects across the nation. Hosted by Americans for the Arts and Race Forward, Cultural Week of Action highlighted thought-provoking programs that advanced a multiracial democracy. We were honored to be included in this national event exploring themes of race and democracy. Early Era Collective's "Rising from the Roots" celebrated U.S. immigrants through filmed interviews and live dance. Produced September 28-29, 2024 at the First Americans Museum's Five Moons Theater, this live production featured interviewees and artists who have immigrated from Lebanon, Palestine, Bangladesh, Belgium, the Philippines, and more. Co-Produced by Chakra Media Company, interviews featured activists, educators, spiritual leaders, and artists working for change in their communities. Live performances from Yúmare Mexican Folkloric Dancers, Natasha Abu-Fadel, Capitol Hill High School, and Classen School of Advanced Studies highlighted Oklahoma City's diverse dance community through Mexican folk dance, Modern, and Flamenco.

Additional programs included live performances at events produced by other sponsors, initial work on future programs, and other community events and activities.