Online via Zoom

Open to all members

Tuesday, August 27, 12 noon
Wednesday, September 11, 12 noon
Tuesday, September 17, 6 p.m.

Join Joan Tisch Teaching Fellow Jacqueline Cofield in this multifaceted exploration of Alvin Ailey’s world and his lasting impact on the arts. This virtual program highlights Ailey’s profound legacy as one of modern dance’s most influential figures ahead of the opening of the museum’s fall blockbuster exhibition. Edges by Ailey. Members will be fascinated by Ailey’s ability to weave dance, music and visual art to create a powerful form of storytelling – from his early influences and founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to his collaborations with visual artists and engagement in broader cultural and social dynamics.

Immerse yourself in Ailey’s iconic works, such as Blues Suite And Revelationsthat reflect Black culture and history and highlight themes of migration, spirituality, and liberation. Make connections with the works of visual artists you’ll see in the galleries—including Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, and others—to gain a comprehensive understanding of how Ailey’s artistic vision pushed the boundaries of dance. This program explores themes of Blackness, gender, and collaboration in Ailey’s practice, offering an opportunity to engage deeply with the artist’s vision and the cultural values ​​he represented.

Jacqueline M. Cofield (she/her) is a Joan Tisch Teaching Fellow at the Whitney Museum of American Art and recently earned her PhD from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research gives voice to underrepresented voices in art history and connects culture, learning, and social change. Cofield’s award-winning dissertation, Beyond Beauty: Epistemologies and Aesthetic Practices of Black Women Artistsexamines the perspectives and practices of Black women artists and their impact on the curriculum. As a documentary filmmaker, podcaster, educator, and curator, she works transdisciplinarily in the fields of art history, Black studies, and museum education. Cofield’s commitment to fostering global artistic dialogues is evident in her curatorial and museum training at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Studio Museum in Harlem. Her work emphasizes inclusivity, cultural diplomacy, and the transformative power of the arts, inspiring and educating diverse audiences worldwide. Cofield is also an Assistant Adjunct Professor at Hunter College.

All members are invited to this event. Registration instructions will be provided via email. Not yet a member? Join online or call (212) 570-3641.

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