An n Ale! Let’s go!
The campaign for Jean Appolon Expressions
Dear Friends of JAE,
Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) stands at the intersection of art and social justice, where the rhythms of Haitian folkloric dance pulse with the power to transform lives. Born from the heart of a culture rich in history, resilience, and spirit, JAE is not just a dance company; it is a movement that celebrates the soul of Haiti, honors its struggles, and channels its strength into hope and healing.
As we open the doors to our new home in Nubian Square, Roxbury, JAE is amplifying its impact and bringing the liberating force of dance to more people and communities. Our journey over the past decade has been one of growth, passion, and unwavering commitment to the belief that dance is a path to social change.
We invite you to join us in this next chapter—one that promises to deepen our roots, broaden our reach, and elevate our artistry. Together, we will build a future where the transformative power of Haitian folkloric dance can be felt in every step, every beat, and every heart it touches. An n Ale! Let’s go!
An n Ale! is much more than a slogan—it’s a shared passion inspired by our collective belief in the power of hope and healing through dance. We can only achieve this vision for our community with your support, please consider a contribution today.
Sincerely,
Jean Appolon & Meg McGrath
For more information, contact
Why now?
A pivotal moment for JAE.
Contributions to An n Ale! will support the creation of socially impactful art, bring the healing power of dance to communities in need, and re-invigorate the historic Nubian Square.
The campaign at a glance:
Total Goal: $5 Million
To Date: $3.9 Million
Remaining: $1.1 Million
Campaign goals
1. Anchor JAE in Nubian Square
We envision Jean Appolon Expressions Dance Center as a place where professional artists, community members, and youth can come together to share their love for dance. The studio space will offer the Nubian Square community a highly visible arts anchor where they feel valued.
- Objective: Establish the JAE Dance Center as a cultural anchor in the historically significant Nubian Square.
- Need: Studio build-out requiring $2.5 million for construction, furnishing, and equipment.
The JAE Dance Center is open for classes, performances, events, and rentals – join us and feel the magic of this new space! Contributions to An n Ale! are still needed to ensure the long term stability of JAE and this new space.
- Impact: The new studio will offer dedicated space for professional artists, community members, and youth to engage in the transformative power of dance, music, and community.
2. Catalyze art-making and new performances
We envision JAE gaining further recognition as a hub of dance innovation that creates space for social justice conversations through community inspired art-making.
- Objectives:
- Premiere and tour JAE’s newest works, Pouvwa and Black is Black, which explore themes around history, race, oppression, trauma, and corruption through Haitian folkloric dance.
- Increase JAE’s artistic staff capacity to support growth in choreography, performances, and dance education.
- Create opportunities for students based in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to train and perform with JAE’s company dancers in the US and internationally.
- Increase performance opportunities for community dancers and youth apprentices.
- Create a fund for artist residencies and sabbaticals to develop new works.
- Need: $1,250,000 to support the production, staffing, and touring of new works.
- Impact: These performances will engage audiences in meaningful conversations around race, trauma, and healing, expanding JAE’s reach across the U.S. and internationally.
3. Sustain & expand JAE’s impact
The An n Ale! campaign aims to increase awareness of and support for our educational initiatives, general operations, and the new JAE Dance Center. This dedicated focus on increasing revenue streams and charitable contributions in a sustainable way will lead to a stronger, more resilient organization with secure financial footing for lasting impact.
- Objectives:
- Increase donor support: Double annual revenue to sustain JAE’s growth.
- Expand educational capacity: Hire a Dance Education Director to lead school and community partnerships.
- Strengthen global reach: Grow our team in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to expand educational and outreach programs.
- Support JAE’s dedicated operations staff
- Need: $1,250,000 in general operating funds that can support educational programming and essential operations to enable JAE to realize the full potential of our new home at the JAE Dance Center.
- Impact:
- Education: JAE has hosted educational programs in partnership with schools, universities, and other institutions across Greater Boston for over a decade, bringing the power of artistic expression to youth and adults alike. We aim to expand our reach in Boston, Haiti, and beyond by cultivating new partnerships and developing programs to meet community members’ needs.
- Community: Grow partnerships in Nubian Square, Boston, and beyond to offer creative, culturally rich programming to diverse audiences where and when they need it. Spark conversations through artistry and expression, enabling people to identify meaningful ways to contribute to a more just world. Establish the JAE Dance Center as a community space where local artists and community-focused groups can create and connect.
- Global: JAE’s Summer Dance Institute has provided youth with a vital outlet for healing and expression in Haiti since 2006, with 92% of Summer Dance Institute participants reporting reduced stress from the program. We plan to expand this program and partner with more organizations to reach more students in more communities.