Alvin Ailey and Me: A Letter Writing Project
Free Friday Nights, 5 – 10 PM
Jack Mitchell, Alvin Ailey, 1962. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. ©️ Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution
Tickets
Though admission is free, tickets are required and capacity is extremely limited. Advance tickets are recommended.
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Join nowThe Kaufman Gallery is equipped with an induction hearing loop. To use, please switch your hearing aid to “T.” Some video monitors in the galleries have headphone jacks; you are welcome to plug in your own headset or neck loop. Large Print Guides are available at the visitor services desk in the Main Lobby. Transcripts for works with sound and experiential videos for works that are inaccessible are available on our Mobile Guide and are free for people with disabilities.
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Floor 5, Kaufman Gallery
Edges of Ailey is the first large-scale museum exhibition to celebrate the life, dances, influences, and enduring legacy of visionary artist and choreographer Alvin Ailey. One of America’s most influential artists, Ailey transcended the boundaries of dance and left an indelible mark on American culture through his revolutionary work.
Alvin Ailey and Me honors the profound and deeply personal impact Ailey has had on people’s lives through letter writing. Every Friday night, we invite audiences to share how Ailey’s story has influenced their own with a heartfelt message, statement, or drawing dedicated to him, reflecting the breadth of his impact. Join us during Free Friday Nights to share your story, explore Edges of Ailey, dance with Ailey Extension, get inspired with all-ages artmaking, and more!
Submit your story online and view other submissions, including letters, drawings, videos, and portraits by Mark Mann.
