ABOUT BAX

BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange—arts and artists in progress - is a multi-arts non-profit organization in Park Slope, Brooklyn, founded in 1991 (as the Gowanus Arts Exchange). Our mission is to provide a nurturing, year-round performance, rehearsal and educational venue in Brooklyn that encourages artistic risk-taking and stimulates dialogue among diverse constituencies.

A neighborhood home for the arts and recognized citywide and nationally for its work "developing" artists, BAX is an advocate of cultural diversity and inventiveness. BAX received a special citation in 1998 from the New York Dance and Performance Awards ("Bessie") for "building a house and a home for the arts in Brooklyn...championing the vital connection of accessible education to the life and livelihood of artists; for imagining, supporting and leading a wildly diverse, aesthetically vocal community..." BAX has offered a full range of presenting—currently over 50 evenings each season-and educational programs for children and adults in dance, theater, performance art, and film/video since 1991. Three alternative public schools in Brooklyn receive arts-in-education programs, as well. BAX's diversity is its greatest strength.

What does this mean and why do we do it?

When parents choose BAX they are choosing a center where there is a respectful and friendly environment and experienced teaching professionals who love kids. The basis of our educational philosophy is that we have a human need to be expressive. The students we graduate have received exceptionally strong comprehensive training. Artists find an artistic home at BAX, a place to develop new work, nurture distinctive voices and build audience. Audience members find cutting edge performances in an intimate environment that is an accessible neighborhood center. Artists and students benefit from an environment where adults and children alike share the importance and respect for the arts.

MEET BAX'S FOUNDING & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Since 1991, MARYA WARSHAW has been the Executive Director of BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange (formerly The Gowanus Arts Exchange). She is responsible to the BAX Board of Directors for creating and implementing programs, budgets, fundraising events, short and long term and strategic planning. In this capacity she curates, directs and manages BAX's performance season - over 50 performances each season. She has created four successful Arts-in-Education programs in New York City public schools K-12. She continues to serve as an active representative to the Gay and Lesbian community of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Borough President, Con Edison, NYC, and the LAMBDA Independent Democrats among others have recognized her work in Brooklyn and New York City through numerous awards and citations.

In 1998 BAX, under Ms. Warshaw's direction, received a "Bessie" Award for its innovative work. She serves on adjudication panels for the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York Foundation for the Arts. She acts as a consultant in arts education as well as strategic planning for not-for-profit staff and boards of directors in the arts.

Ms. Warshaw produced Fairytales (now known as Breathe) written by Dan Martin and Michael Biello, developed through readings and workshops at BAX, which received a full production in Provincetown, MA in July 1997. With her partner Jane-Cole Raftery, she co-produced Peggy Shaw's Menopausal Gentleman, premiered by Dixon Place and Ellie Covan at the Ohio Theater, NYC, in Provincetown, MA in July/August 1999.

Ms. Warshaw attended Bard College on a full Performing Arts Scholarship and has done graduate work in Arts Management at New York University, Gallatin Division. She is the mother of two sons and is a long-time Park Slope resident.

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Photos on this page:
Martha Bowers’ “Fathers & Sons Project” (photo: Carolina Kroon)
Marya Warshaw (photo: Carolina Kroon)