Friendzone,

About the event

Friendzone is an evening-length exhibition and contemporary performance party on July 18th in the courtyard at Performance Space New York hosted by the Black artist collective Deeds for AIRs. Friendzone seeks to connect the radical hirstories of art and organizing in the Lower East Side to the rampant austerity suffocating artists and all surplus workers. As we reflect on the state-in-crisis, we turn to one another for support and connection and to create a low-barrier platform for presenting new ambitious works of art. The night will feature DJ sets, a cookout sponsored by Performance Space New York, performances by Deeds for AIRs artists, and an exhibition of our friends' interdisciplinary works.

Why should you sponsor?

Sponsoring Friendzone, a contemporary performance party and community exhibition for queer, black, and brown emerging artists, offers companies a unique chance to promote social responsibility and cultural enrichment. Held in the Lower East Side we seek to connect histories of sweat equity in the neighborhood with critical social issues and diverse artistic expression.

Rooted in a critique of mutual aid which promotes the right to dignified work, Friendzone highlights the struggles faced by marginalized artists in NYC. These artists, who were forced to rely on crowdfunding for survival and who successfully mobilized organizations including MoMA PS1, Dia Art Foundation, The Kitchen and Montez Press Radio, represent the vanguard of creative movement building. Sponsoring this event supports their call to ensure financial security and autonomy for vulnerable artists.

Reconvening on July 18 in anticipation of Performance Space New York's forthcoming '02020 Counter Archive,' Deeds for AIRs will queer the record challenging exclusionary narratives and advocating for inclusive, sustainable solutions. By sponsoring Friendzone, companies show their commitment to equity, diversity, and social justice.

This sponsorship also provides visibility and engagement with an audience passionate about contemporary art and social change. It demonstrates the company’s dedication to fostering inclusive communities and supporting underrepresented voices. Ultimately, sponsoring Friendzone is a powerful statement of solidarity with marginalized artists, amplifying the message for universal basic income and championing societal progress.

Danyela Brown

Danyela June Brown is a contemporary set-maker and researcher from South Arlington. A transmulatta military-brat, she tracks breaks in repressive systems by collaging, casting, computing, and making occasions. She was raised in church, and has trained with the Peridance Center Custodians, Hood By Air Museum, and in the Ballroom Scene. Danyela holds a BA in African American Studies from Stanford University. She has presented sets at Performance Space New York, FABnyc and Sound Scene and has completed EMERGENYC (2020), the Learning and Public Engagement Fellowship at Dia Art Foundation (2019-2021) and the DHS Peer Case Management Institute at Howard University School of Social Work (2024). Danyela has taught workshops at Dance Place, MakerspaceNYC and the Kennedy Center REACH and has performed with Kiyan Williams, Rashad Pridgen, Aleta Hayes and Hushidar Mortezaie. Currently, she serves as Artistic Director at DMV Kiki Nights, curating Ballroom Scene programming and supporting artists in DC.

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