My name is Katy Avery, and I am the creative director of the Katy Avery Commission Project (KACP). I am raising funds to support the creation of a multidisciplinary performance project scheduled to be performed in the fall of 2027. This project will address body image and disordered eating as experienced through the lens of female-identifying performance artists. I hope to bring awareness to the fat liberation movement as well as provide access to education on disordered eating, a much misunderstood concern that affects 28.8 million Americans. The performance will include a concert-length piece of music for soprano and chamber ensemble written by composer Emma Cardon-Wake with a libretto by Athena Kildegaard, modern dance choreographed by Lila Kushner, film projections by Kathryn Fulp, and costume design by Jess Holmes. Due to the expansive nature of this project, we are shooting a proof-of-concept film at the intended performance space with Katherine Reeves in April 2026. We will share this film with potential donors and grant providers to raise funds for the final project. Donations will go toward covering costs associated with the proof-of-concept film shoot such as paying the videographer, the artistic team, travel for out-of-town artists, and renting the space.

Katherine Reeves - videographer https://www.katherinereeves.com

Emma Cardon-wake - composer https://www.emmacardon-wake.com

Athena Kildegaard - librettist https://www.athenakildegaard.com

Katy Avery - soprano https://www.katyaverysoprano.com

Kathryn Fulp - filmmaker https://www.akfulp.com

The Icebox - venue https://www.iceboxprojectspace.com

As someone in recovery from disordered eating, I am very passionate about this subject. I have heard countless stories from other women who have struggled with their relationship with their bodies, whether they have been diagnosed or not. I believe every body deserves to be free from the oppression of societal expectations, and we should work tirelessly to silence the voices that prevent us from celebrating the natural beauty of our unique bodies.

I hope the impact of this project will resonate with you and will move you to consider donating to our proof-of-concept shoot.