d.u.m.b.A collective

The DUMBA Queer Performing Arts collective, is the oldest and largest live in non-profit arts collective in the Brooklyn NY, solely devoted to the contemporary art practices of the queer community. Recognized as a defining force of the alternative space movement, DUMBA stands out from major arts institutions through its cutting-edge approach to exhibitions, performances and direct involvement of artists within the queer comunity. DUMBA is run by a loose-knit collective, usually made up of visual artists, media artists, writers, songsters, dance fanatics, flirty bohemians, poltical and cultural activists, and otherwise socially boisterous girls and boys. Our queer emphasis allows our space to be sensually free and creatively teeming with possibility. We offer our space to local and international artists, primarily queer, who have the voice but need the outlet. We staff and help promote profit-turning events and give the majority of the profit (between 60-90%) back to the artist. Our loft space is a ten-person, 4800 square-foot space with a large central performance area (about 850 feet). Typical events include contemporary art exhibitions, live music shows, performance art, benefit dinners, movie screenings, political/activist meetings etc.DUMBA was founded in by Scott Barry in the early 90’s and is still devoted to the production, presentation, interpretation and dissemination of the work of innovative artists in all media, fostering creativity and uninhibited artistic exploration. Its programs reflect the complex nature of international contemporary art and performance, serves as a broad and diverse audience, and stimulates discourse on the art of our time. DUMBA’s exhibitions, presentations, publications, educational activities, parties and performances strive to be of the highest quality and to investigate the dynamic and provocative nature of contemporary art. Its focus includes recognizing the work of emerging queer artists, placing disparate media into new and meaningful contexts, and defining alternative movements and endeavors.DUMBA seeks to be a vital cultural resource for New York City queer artists and to serve constituencies internationally with its programation. Overall, DUMBA aims to provide an engaging environment for artists; to inform, inspire, and challenge its audiences; to actively attract new audiences; and to be an accessible resource that elevates the role of art of all forms in contemporary culture.If you are interested in being a live-in member of our collective, or if you have an idea for an event, feel free to contact us via email. Proposals for events can be relatively informal but should include the vitals such as: idea for event, desired dates, set-up time and requirements, staffing needs, suggested admission price, expected number of audience, etc. Note: We like to remind everyone that our forum is also our home and ask that our beloved public be respectful of our space. In approving proposals, we favor as well as events that we feel we can adequately promote and support.