For three seasons, Journey Arts has produced the Table Sessions.
It’s a simple recipe:
performance, food, and interaction.
But the mix of these elements produces something magical.
You enter into a Table Session ready for a performance, and leave filled -- it’s the full stomach, the full heart, and the fullness of connection.
We’re looking for our next Table Sessions artists...
Could it be you?
Scroll down to learn more about Table Sessions and how you can apply.
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Many of the Table Sessions artists have been musicians, but that’s not a strict criteria for success. The performances that work best for Table Sessions have a story, a distinct point of view, and a theme that the artist or artists are eager to explore. Previous performances have explored how to create home when you are part of a far-reaching diaspora, intergenerational language and knowledge keeping, forbidden queer love in a time of oppression, and so much more. From three cellos in a garden to a 12-piece band, Table Sessions take their unique shape from the visioning artist. They often have many sensory ways in –poetry combined with music, scents enveloping dancers, or a visual artist interpreting the musical language and lineage of a performer.
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Table Sessions artists are deeply invested in how the food, subject matter, and performance speak to each other. The meals are chosen with care, amplifying the artistic themes. One artist went back to her childhood, remembering the dishes that parents and grandparents made and asking the chefs to create with these generational favorites in mind. Another artist wanted the broadness of her cultural heritage represented, and asked the chef to work with her on imagining a menu responsive to both traditional and diasporic favorites. Yet another artist paired each movement of her work with a specific dish, illuminating the evening through these close connections.
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At a Journey Arts performance, the draw is the performance. But the outcome is often the interconnectivity of the audiences. Seated around a table with people you know -- and people you don’t! -- you come away with a fuller perspective. New friends have given each other rides home after the Table Sessions, spent time talking with their artistic idol, and gone deep in discussions of what makes a place home. Artists help foster this level of interaction -- leading conversation from the stage, creating discussion prompts, or starting a postcard writing campaign to rekindle friendships. Journey Arts staff work with artists to shape this element, but finding these sparks of togetherness are critical in creating these truly unique evenings.
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Since 2022, Journey Arts has presented seven unique Table Sessions experiences. While differing in genre, performer, and cuisine, the events all share these common aspects:
Narrative: The evenings tell a story.
Multisensory: The performance and food talk to each other, all elements in conversation with each other.
Genre: The majority of Table Sessions have been music-based, but we are open to other performance genres including dance, poetry, theatre, and more!
Connection and Interactivity: Many works have been audience responsive inviting folks into movement, or to write to different prompts.
We’re currently accepting
Proposal Overview
Journey Arts is inviting Philadelphia local creatives to submit brief proposals for our signature program the “Table Sessions.” Table Sessions explore convergences of art, food, and life through performance.
From performers to culinary artists to restaurateurs, we want to hear your ideas for a Table Session.
RFP Submission Timeline
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RFP Submission Timeline •
Have questions about our submission process?
Email info@journeyarts.org and we’ll do our best to answer your question.