Community work
Community work is a large part of Katie's focus and drive. It combines her interest in event coordination and all aspects of the art community. Accessibility and inclusivity are her two main focuses with any project.
Dance NYC Jr Committee
The Dance/NYC Junior Committee (JComm) is a proactive working committee of emerging leaders in the field. As a project of Dance/NYC, we initiate significant projects in research, advocacy, and career development while strengthening each member’s relationship to the dance community. JComm is an incubator for the next generation of dance leadership and serves as a catalyst for innovation and invention in the dance field. We generate ideas through dialogue and we move those ideas into action. Catherine was selected to the committee for the 2022-2023 season.
Dance Hub ATL
Dance Hub ATL consists of 7 professional artists representing a diverse collective of artistic disciplines to activate the space at Hambidge Cross Pollination Art Lab.
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A.M. Collaborative
DanceATL’s new A.M. Collaborative offers Atlanta-based makers a community of partnerships and group feedback. Katie Messina was chosen to partner with local sculptor and visual artist, Jessica Anderson. They will be creating a work together using Object Play, as Katie will be responding to Jessica's sculptures and artifacts placed throughout the space.
Read more about the program here.
Summer Class Series
Noticing a lack of affordable classes in the Atlanta Dance Community, especially in the summertime, I organized a free class series in summer 2019 - reserving space, choosing instructors, and marketing. This series was twofold as it also filled the hole in the community as there were previously limited opportunities for younger artists to teach. The class was so popular, both in attendance and teaching, that it was extended into August. Additionally, two other venues offered free space for the following summer, hoping to sponsor the series so I can extend it further. This lead into my class series through the various festivals I run.
Dance ATL Community Outreach Committee
Catherine Messina has been a core volunteer for the Dance ATL Community Outreach Committee since 2019. She has helped run bi-annual potlucks, bringing together all styles of dance in the city to meet, greet, and network. Her ideas were often chosen by the team and successfully brought to light.