Seven Collective Blog

To NYC Poets, Dancers, Painters, Students, Teachers, Astrologers, Writer/Director/Producers

This is our time, our chance to plant fresh seeds and cultivate artistry in its highest and most diverse form. I am in the mode of learning, whether consciously or subconsciously, from you:
Your methodology, your paths to discovery, your preference between the creative process and the “final” product.

Countless conversations and visitations with many a poet, choreographer, sketch artist, vocalist, juggler, etc. within the New York City artistic community at large have emboldened my creative and social consciousness over the last 3 to 5 years. Since 2008, I've been re-immersed in my dedication to theatre, giving myself to it in different capacities. This came as a sacrifice to poetry, unfortunately, which previously swept me up for a brief and very exciting time.

It has been my pleasure supporting poets like Roger Bonair-Agard, Mahogany Browne, Darian Dauchan, Rico Frederick Steal, Jon Sands and Caitlin Meissner (to name only a few) in their prolific journeys in writing, educating and contributing to community development and poetic evolution. I admire their willingness to elevate their craft and still challenge themselves to experiment with form or technique or presentation. In brief instances, Taylor Mali has been generous with his support, providing forums for expression and ledges on which poets can stand. The brevity of our exchanges has not equated to a lack of inspiration. The same can be said for others like musician, Akie Bermiss or actress/dancer/installation artist, Ximena Garnica.

The point is that being exposed to various genres of art has and continues to satiate my spirit and brighten, rather than just broaden, my perspective. I implore you artists, educators, day laborers, night watchers and respective fans of whomever or whatever to expose yourselves to different things, regardless of the moniker. Life is for the living...and living, however that fulfills you, feels really good. Great art is a wondrous experience, especially when it comes from left field. So as much as I will continue to truly support you on your creative journey when I can, I am seeking your support for the first steps on a long, productive road for The Seven Collective. (Wait! Don’t click X. I’m not asking for your money.)

We want an audience. The Seven Collective is not one entity engaged in one style serving one set of folks. We are an artists’ collective, engaging in various genres and disciplines while serving expansive and closed minds, urban youth and well-traveled elders, our families and ourselves. We respect form and tradition. We appreciate those who’ve sacrificed before us so that we can inhabit the now. We embrace change and include the present when we stretch ourselves towards the beyond. We strive to evolve and advance, which will mean falling down, sometimes hard on our faces, and that’s all right.

This is more than, “Look what I can do.”
More than, “Go see some theatre, film, spoken word, dance pieces, concerts, and comedy sketches.”
This is a call to engage…
To be a part of…
To play…
To learn what you don’t know…
To see the world expand before your eyes and impact it…
To let us know you were here.

I believe my brothers and I are striving to do this with The Seven Collective.
Support the movement and spread the word.

- David King