Learn more about Unique plus artist, Megan Williams Dance Projects!

Pentacle’s Fiscal Sponsorship programs serve a diverse group of artists and arts organizations both in NYC and nationally. Last year over 350 artists utilized our FOUR Fiscal Sponsorship programs: Unique projects; Unique plus; Foundation for Independent Artists; and Foundation for Independent Artists projects.

We excited to share the work of Pentacle artists with the community. This week, we interviewed Unique plus artist, Megan Williams Dance Project about their upcoming show at Danspace Project. Read the full interview below!

“Making art is a real-life construct, with real-life needs. It is not a hobby. When I can delegate, I am free to create.” – Megan Williams

Introduce yourself!
My name is Megan Williams and I am a dancer, choreographer, and educator. I trained at the Juilliard School, danced in the 1980s with many NYC choreographers, and was a member of the Mark Morris Dance Group for 10 years. I am still affiliated with MMDG as a stager of Morris’ works internationally. I got my MFA at Sarah Lawrence College in 2015 and am currently on the ballet faculty there. I started Megan Williams Dance Projects in 2016 as a vehicle for supporting my many years of choreographic and performing practice.

What first made you passionate about the arts?
I was fortunate to grow up in a family that valued the artist in society. I was exposed to visual art, music, dance, and theater at a young age and knew that looking at the world through the lenses of these forms was something I would always do. I’ve seen, and continue to see, art change lives.

How did that help you get to where you are today?
I never underestimate the power of emotional support as a means of helping ideas come to fruition. I have people who believe in me, in what I do and in how I do it. I like to think that I support others in their endeavors in the same way, as I have been supported. Reciprocity in the studio and within the community is essential for the daily and hourly successes of an artist. When you stick to it as long as I have (I’m 57!), you realize how wonderful, and productive, these incremental exchanges of support can be.

What are you working on right now?
I am working on my biggest project to date and my FIRST TIME SELF PRODUCING. I am collaborating with the marvelous composer Eve Beglarian on an evening of work that explores her catalog. Eve and I will be performing on March 26, 27, and 28 at Danspace’s CommunityACCESS with 10 dancers, 5 new music luminaries, the Young People’s Chorus of NYC, lighting design by Kathy Kaufmann and costume design by Barbara Erin Delo.

Learn more on Danspace Project’s website.

What makes it possible for you to be successful as an artist?
Success as an artist is subjective, no? Longevity brings with it a certain measure of success. Staying open to change, and keeping up with what is current, all the while reminding myself to commit to what I want to do and what I believe in. Staying physically and mentally healthy helps. I love being a student, I love surrounding myself with artists of all ages and experience. I learn from everyone I encounter. I try to keep my standards high, while not being too hard on myself. Easier said than done.

In what capacity do you work with Pentacle?
Unique is my fiscal sponsor. I also use Unique plus‘ bookkeeping services for MWDP – this includes 1099’s at tax time for all the artists that I work with. This is not my area of expertise!! It is terrific to have a structure for getting this busy work done and to have someone hold me accountable for the monthly tally. It allows me to keep my creative practice flowing while keeping my financial life in order. Making art is a real-life construct, with real-life needs. It is not a hobby. When I can delegate, I am free to create.

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Are you a Pentacle artist interested in participating? Get in touch with our marketing team here.