“Art in Motion: A Climate Call” - A Community Dance Project

MICHAELA "M" NEILD (she/they) is an interdisciplinary artist, dance educator, movement coach, and nonprofit professional based in Buffalo, NY. From August to October 2025, M will direct an intergenerational community dance project titled “Art in Motion: A Climate Call," with the goal of inspiring climate action through creativity by exploring nature as a healing force for both individuals and communities. Read the artist's full bio here

About the Project

Through intergenerational collaboration, this project works with themes of climate action, exploring nature as a healing force for both individuals and communities. Six, day-long creative labs will take place over three months for an intense, residency-style experience. Each lab combines natural elements and time outdoors with multidisciplinary arts workshops and choreographic exercises, during which each collaborator will document and deepen their personal relationship with the natural world while contributing to the shared creative vision of the group. Mediums we will explore include nature collage, land art, climate poetry, songwriting, botanical printing, and accessible choreography. These labs will culminate in a public showing, with the format to be determined by the group (e.g. a work-in-progress showing, an artist Q+A talk, a performance, a film, an exhibit, etc). This project welcomes experienced artists and novices (no previous dance experience necessary). Collaborators will be compensated a project stipend (minimum of $150 per person) for their time and participation and food will be provided during each lab.

Funds Use

100% of funds raised through GoFundMe will go directly towards director pay and collaborator stipends. By donating, you are creating an opportunity for M to increase compensation from a small project stipend to a more equitable hourly pay rate for all involved.

Fundraiser Goal

M aims to raise an additional $5,000 to bring this project to life.

$10,000 has already been raised in direct support of this project, with a total project budget of $15,000.

Finer Details

Dates:

Lab 1 - Saturday, August 23, 2025

Lab 2 - Sunday, August 24, 2025

Lab 3 - Saturday, September 13, 2025

Lab 4 - Sunday, September 14, 2025

Lab 5 - Saturday, October 4, 2025

Lab 6 - Sunday, October 5, 2025

Times:

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily

Location(s):

Various locations throughout Buffalo / WNY - exact locations TBD