The Eisemann Edge Endowment Fund recently awarded a $100,000 grant to OutLoud Dallas to support its “See Me” performance and exhibition. “See Me”, produced in collaboration with Chicago-based artist Ruben Carrazana, taps into technology to place audience members directly into the narratives of performers, with an emphasis on amplifying young voices.
“See Me challenges audiences to ask why stories are important to us and how technology has changed the ways we share our stories,” said OutLoud co-founder and Executive Director, Jeffery Moffitt. “Our work at OutLoud centers around asking young people – who needs to hear your voice and what do they need to hear you say? – this project provides space for young people to answer these questions and creates a larger dialogue in the fabric of the community narrative.”
OutLoud’s “See Me” project has roots in early 2024, where it began as a string of workshops at North Texas schools and OutLoud community partner sites. Workshops equipped high school and college students with tools to explore their identities through writing, spoken word poetry, and theatre.
Charles Eisemann has a longstanding passion for supporting tech-based arts. In 2023, The Eisemann Edge awarded a grant to SciArt Exchange, supporting its Sensing Deep Space: Pandora’s Cluster exhibit. The Sensing Deep Space installation interacted with visitors’ senses, creating an immersive experience that explored Pandora’s Cluster, a deep space galaxy cluster.
Another earlier project supported by the Eisemann Edge was MotherBoard, a modular sculptural installation that celebrated the City of Richardson’s history and pioneering embrace of innovative technology, and 20 Years in 20 Minutes, a projection experience that highlighted the Eisemann Center’s first 20 years and impact on the arts landscape.
OutLoud believes that youth are forces for change in our community and serves students and educators throughout the Dallas area, providing free access to high quality artistic resources. Eisemann Edge’s grant award will further the nonprofit’s work to amplify the diverse stories and experiences of our community’s youth.
“See Me” will open at the Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts starting Friday, September 27, 2024 through Saturday, October 5, 2024. After its premiere at the Eisemann Center, OutLoud plans to bring “See Me” to several out-of-state festivals, empowering its young performers to tell their stories on a national stage.
