Beth Boone

Beth Boone is the Artistic and Executive Director of Miami Light Project, a cultural institution founded in 1989 which presents performances by innovative dance, music and theater artists. MLP supports the development of new work by performing artists, provides workshops for local artists and offers student educational programs.

An interview with Beth:

Background?

I've been involved in the arts my entire life. I grew up in the DC suburbs and with my parents' encouragement I enjoyed all the cultural treasures of that city. Early exposure to the arts instilled a love of the arts in me which has never waned.

Earlier on in my career I was a practicing theater artist, having majored in acting and directing in both undergraduate (College of Charleston) and graduate school (Brandeis University). When I moved to New York I founded a theater company with friends from grad school and have worked in the theater ever since. I became the Director of MLP in 1998 and it is the best job I've ever had.

Miami Light Project?

MLP brings today's leading national and international innovators in dance, music, theater, and multimedia performance to Miami while developing the work of Miami-based artists. Our goal is to contribute to Miami's growing reputation as a leading cultural center of international signficance.

Programs?

We have five primary programs. The Contemporary Performance Series features internationally recognized artists, distinguished by their daring creativity and technical virtuosity. Our Here and Now program commissions, produces and tours the work of emerging Miami-based artists. International Cultural Exchange is a program that fosters collaboration among visiting and local artists. Light Box/Out of the Box, our community outreach initiative, involves local schools and community-based organizations. Miami Project Hip Hop is an initiative dedicated to the development and dissemination of new work by artists from the hip hop generation.

Local artists?

Since 1998, MLP's signature program for community-based professional artists, Here and Now, has commissioned, produced and helped to tour internationally the work of over 40 Miami-based artists. In addition to commissioning their work we provide other professional development opportunities, which include teaching, workshops and classes with visiting artists.

New work?

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is that I am invited to festivals and performances around the world to see new work by emerging and established artists. I also attend convenings, serve on international panels and learn from like-minded colleagues and applicants to various programs about new work being created.

Miami?

To be so young, I think Miami has rather quickly developed an unusually vibrant and nuanced arts community. Our rich cultural heritage and especially our Latino and Caribbean influences have created a unique city, and it takes effort to uncover all the cultural treasures when the sun and sand beckon.

I think visitors and residents alike make assumptions that don't give consideration or full credit to all that is here to experience. Art Basel has, without a doubt, changed the playing field for both makers and consumers of art and arts-related experiences, and most would agree that the visual arts community has hit its stride.

The Miami-based makers of contemporary dance, music, theater, multimedia--the work MLP focuses on--are beginning to emerge nationally and internationally, and with continued support they will soon become recognized as defining forces in Miami's identity.

Miami Light Project; www.miamilightproject.com.