Architecture and Choreography Architect/Innovator Charles Renfro, Partner at Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and visionary choreographer Jonah Bokaer invite you to an intimate Artist Talk and public presentation at LongHouse Reserve, to discuss the past and present convergence of Architecture & Choreography, while discussing their upcoming collaborations, and respective views on the evolving platforms of cultural production in 2024.
About Jonah Bokaer Jonah Bokaer has cultivated a new form of Choreography merged with Visual Art & Design. American & Middle Eastern, he has deeply interwoven an international career as an exhibiting museum artist; with a touring multi-ethnic dance company; with a nonprofit practice that has succeeded in delivering 4 arts facilities for younger artists. Jonah Bokaer Choreography has authored 68 original works, produced in 35 nations, 28 of the United States, and 295 cities – including 43 Museum Exhibitions worldwide. The impact of earned, contributed, and granted funds between 2002-Present have realized 4 Artspaces, 14+ diverse jobs, $11M+ in revenue, and 1 City-Wide Festival. Bokaer is Tunisian-American, is an LGBTQIA leader, and is currently exhibiting and touring with 8 international dancers. The company is among the few to tour to the Middle East, MENA, MENASA, & Israeli regions equally: before, during, and after the regional events of 2011. Openly gay since the 1980s, Bokaer’s innovations consistently receive prizes, philanthropic support, and humanitarian acknowledgment internationally, with increasing program alignment and recognition from the global south.
About Charles Renfro Charles Renfro joined Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) in 1997 and became a Partner in 2004. He led the design and construction of the studio’s first concert hall outside of the US – The Tianjin Juilliard School in China – as well as the studio’s first public park outside of the US – Zaryadye Park in Moscow. Charles has also led the design of much of DS+R’s academic portfolio, with projects completed at Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Brown University, the University of Chicago, and the recently completed Columbia Business School. Charles Renfro is leading the design of multiple interdisciplinary arts centers, including the new home for the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance in Harlem, New York and Sarofim Hall, a new home for Rice University’s Visual Arts department in Houston. Charles has been recognized twice with the Out100 list, and since 2012, has been deeply involved with BOFFO, a non profit organization that supports the work of queer LGBTQ+ BIPOC artists and designers. He is a faculty member of the School of Visual Arts. For more information, please visit www.dsrny.com