The Sanctuary Arts Initiative seeks to provide a haven for local artists through collaborative partnership, accessible space, and lasting community. Metro Baptist Church affirms the talents of individuals in the congregation and wider New York community, and aims to integrate their creativity into the wider mission of Metro Baptist Church and Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries. Here is a list of our current Sanctuary Arts partners:
Abby London-Crawford Presents
"Abby London-Crawford Presents" is a concert series presenting a wide range of musical genres - jazz,
neo-classical, world, electronic, and improvisational composition; including the ongoing
"Celebrating Women Composers" series.
Mark Lamb Dance has been a Sanctuary Arts Partner since 2010. The mission of Mark Lamb Dance (MLD) is to present new work and repertory, performed by dancers of diverse backgrounds, training, and traditions. Utilizing dance as a tool for cultural exploration and understanding, MLD works to provide communities with performance, outreach, and educational opportunities. MLD also coordinates quarterly Saturday Salons at Metro that bring together musical and movement artists for events the New York Times has described as “a quintessential New York experience.”
Ruby Rims Does the Can Can
Ruby Rims has been a fixture in the Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries and Metro Baptist Church communities for several years as a volunteer and as a performer. As a co-facilitator of our Food Pantry, he is present at Metro every week to organize and distribute food to the needy in Hell’s Kitchen. As a critically acclaimed drag performer, Ruby hosts a yearly cabaret, the proceeds from which go to supporting our Food Pantry.
Stomping Ground Theatre Company
Stomping Ground Theatre Company is a non-profit theatre creating a home away from home for the socially conscious. They provide a stomping ground for: the creative artist who wants to make the world a better place, the writer whose work needs to be heard, the individual who faces discrimination because of skin color, gender, sexual identity, economic status or religion, the ordinary person doing extraordinary things you may never see in the news, and YOU -- our audience, who understands there can be more than just sitting back and being entertained. You are part of continuing their stories -- and your own, too.
The Upstart Creatures is a collective of actors and directors, formed by Michael Barakiva, to throw (meta)physical feasts, intermingling theater and food, feeding body and soul. Come to get fed; stay to get nourished.
