The Congregation is a community of Black movement artists in Seattle and the surrounding areas. It was created to promote creative collaboration and provide a space for everyone to share their experiences, joy, love, anger, Queerness, and feminism. As we continue to grow and expand our artistic practices, we are committed to supporting our artists in every way possible.

We believe in investing in our artists, which is why we are increasing what we pay them. We also believe in accessibility and are committed to ensuring that our performances are accessible to everyone, particularly our disabled family members. We are dedicated to providing accessibility training for artists within The Congregation and supporting them as they create work outside of it.

Our goal is to provide access to training and community for the next generation of Black and Brown Arts Administrators. We believe that by doing this, we can create a more inclusive and supportive artistic community.

This is just the beginning of our journey. We are excited to continue to grow and expand The Congregation and support our artists in every way possible.

We are thrilled to present our newest work, 'Leviticus or Love', and to engage with our audience in person! We aim to take this show on tour, while providing the artists involved with fair compensation and a supportive work environment where they can be their authentic selves.

Supporting this project is a way of investing in the future of art. Smaller ensembles and companies often struggle to keep afloat due to the lack of financial support, even with grants. It is our mission to ensure that we wholeheartedly support artists who work with The Congregation, as well as those who work outside of it."As we premiere our new work Leviticus or Love and to walk amongst HUMANS!, we are looking at touring this work and supporting the artists of this work with equitable compensation and a work environment that supports being your full self.

I am driven to make sure that we are fiercely and without apology supporting artists who work with The Congregation and who work outside of The Congregation.

A little about the work:

Leviticus or Love is a powerful new dance project that explores the intersection of prayer, sin, and spiritual awakening. Created by dani tirrell and the Congregation, this multi-part performance work centers on Black spiritual practices that have emerged from queer, trans, cis, and non-binary bodies. Set to traditional and contemporary gospel music inspired by Aretha Franklin's Amazing Grace gospel album and documentary, Leviticus or Love is a unique blend of movement meditation and storytelling.

The project is a way to reconcile the human self and the spiritual self, to recognize that our bodies are not a sin. It is a celebration of the beautiful diversity of bodies and identities that make up our world. The cast of dancers, based in New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, and Los Angeles, is a testament to this diversity, bringing together a range of perspectives and experiences.

Leviticus or Love and to walk amongst HUMANS is a book in three parts, one of the most ambitious projects by dani tirrell and the Congregation to date. It is a way to bring together two seemingly disparate worlds: the energy of club spaces and the spirituality of churches. Keyes Wiley, a key collaborator and DJ for this work, helps to bridge these worlds, creating a powerful and transformative experience for audiences.

By supporting this work, you are helping to bring healing to our world. Leviticus or Love was created in love, truth, and a collective need to create change. Your contribution will help the artists to premiere the new work and embark on a tour that will bring this message of love and acceptance to audiences around the country. You can support the project through this platform or their fiscal sponsor Northwest Film Forum. Join us on this journey of spiritual awakening and transformation

Contributions to Leviticus or Love and to walk amongst HUMANS are facilitated by Northwest Film Forum and can be made through multiple means. Online through Paypal at the following link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B34BJKGCLXDPS

By check, made out to Northwest Film Forum with ‘Leviticus’ written in the memo field.

Checks can be sent to the following address:

Northwest Film Forum 1515 12th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122

We look forward to seeing you on April 20 and 21 for the premiere of Leviticus or Love and to walk amongst HUMANS! At The Moore Theater in Seattle, WA.

With Love,

dani tirrell & The Congregation

Leviticus or Love and to walk amongst HUMANS!

Tithes and Offerings