Since 1976, Pentacle has been a model in the arts administration field, enabling performing artists to focus on what they do best —create art and engage with audiences. As a not-for-profit management support organization for the performing arts, Pentacle designs and provides unique and robust programs of support for artists at critical stages in their careers.
We believe that providing artists with individually tailored support contributes to the dynamic flow of ideas so necessary for a healthy, equitable society. To that end, Pentacle strives to ensure that the most vulnerable artists among us, those that have been routinely marginalized, or shut out of the traditional patron model of support, are able to access the resources needed to persist with their art. We make it a priority through our programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by offering unique opportunities, new models of support, and mentorship to artists of color.
Pentacle’s multifaceted programs include: Fiscal Services, comprised of fiscal administration and sponsorship; Booking artists in the national marketplace; Administrative Support services including mentorship, direct administrative support, and performance and showcase opportunities; Education & Outreach programs giving youth the tools they need to grow into the next generation of performing artists, arts administrators, and audiences; and New Initiatives that include a new, capacity-building online administrative support platform for arts groups called nextSteps, in addition to partnerships with new, non-traditional venues for dance.
Pentacle’s artists are consistently awarded top recognition in the field with honors including 9 MacArthur winners, 25 Doris Duke Artists, 10 Herb Alpert Awardees, and 68 Guggenheim Fellows to date. With an unwavering focus on providing artists with individualized administrative support and tools to build their infrastructure, Pentacle’s hands-on programs and services each year directly serve over 300 companies and project-based artistic entities providing employment to more than 1,500 artists and providing work to more than 750 independent contractors; 350 youth are served through its Education & Outreach programs; and more than 1,300 audience members attend its performances and showcases. By providing artists with the support they need to make their high-quality work, Pentacle enriches the cultural landscape through cross-sector partnerships in multiple communities across NYC and the U.S.