Jacob’s Pillow is seeking Indigenous artists based in Turtle Island to collaborate on specific project areas as part of the creation of a new Doris Duke Theatre on our campus in what is now known as Becket, Massachusetts. The original Doris Duke Theatre was destroyed by fire in November of 2020 and the Pillow is now building a reimagined theater working with Mecanoo Architects, Marvel Designs, Charcoalblue, and Jeffrey Gibson. Engagement with Indigenous people is an important part of the Pillow’s efforts to decolonize the organization and to connect with the land on which we dance.
Working with the collaborative design team and Jacob’s Pillow program staff, selected artists will act as consultants for the development and creation of the following three areas:
- Medicinal Garden – The garden is part of the user’s entry experience to the reimagined Doris Duke Theatre as you approach the building from the east. The area welcomes proposals that take into consideration planting design, maintenance, and user experience.
- Fire Pit – An area for gatherings and celebrations centered around fire, located on the east of the building adjacent to the medicinal garden. The area welcomes proposals that take into consideration utilization of materials local to the site, seating, tables and a central area for fire.
- Commissioned work of Visual Art – An artwork which seeks to bring a contemporary Indigenous voice to the entrance lobby, as installed or affixed to a wall. The area welcomes proposals that take into consideration the importance of Indigenous artists and community members.
Applications Open: November 1, 2023
Application Webinar: November 15, 2023
DEADLINE EXTENDED: December 4, 2023 at 5pm EST.
Finalist Interviews: December, 2023
Final Decisions: January, 2024
The project will evolve over the next two years, beginning with a planning and design process and continuing through to construction. Exact timing will be determined in consultation with each artist/designer. Activity to be scheduled together include:
- Project Meetings and Integration with Design Team
- Site-Visit at Jacob’s Pillow
- Design Submission and Review
- Construction and Implementation
- Opening Celebration
Applicants must be Indigenous artists or designers based in Turtle Island. Applicants should be enrolled citizens of a federally recognized tribe, as noted by the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs or the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. We require applicants to verify descendent status in the event of not being an enrolled citizen. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to apply for this opportunity.
Jacob’s Pillow is a registered 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that provides equal opportunity for all applicants for contract-work without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law.
Jacob’s Pillow is committed to providing an inclusive, diverse, accessible, and equitable environment that cultivates the celebration of the art of dance and its positive impact on communities.
The Pillow will prioritize applicants who are enrolled members of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community in recognition of the theatre’s placement on their ancestral homelands.
For specific questions please contact New Theatre Project Manager Katy Dammers via email at kdammers@jacobspillow.org
Applications for this project closed on December 4, 2023 at 5pm EST.
For more details on this project click below:
Landscape applications (medicinal garden and firepit) will be reviewed by the following jury:
- Pamela Tatge, Executive & Artistic Director of Jacob’s Pillow
- Francine Houben, Design Principle at Mecanoo
- Yadiel Rivera-Díaz, Partner at Marvel
- Tess Lukey (Aquinnah Wampanoag), Associate Curator of Native American Art at The Trustees of Reservations
- Shawn Stevens (Stockbridge-Munsee), Spiritualist, musician, artist, historian, and sharer of knowledge
Visual art applications will be reviewed by the following jury:
- Pamela Tatge, Executive & Artistic Director of Jacob’s Pillow
- Francine Houben, Design Principle at Mecanoo
- Jeffrey Gibson (Cherokee, Choctaw), Artist and Consultant for Jacob’s Pillow
- Tess Luckey (Aquinnah Wampanoag) , Associate Curator of Native American Art at The Trustees of Reservations
- Shawn Stevens (Stockbridge-Munsee), Spiritualist, musician, artist, historian, and sharer of knowledge
DEADLINE EXTENDED: December 4, 2023 at 5pm EST.
For more details on this project and how to apply, click below:
For specific questions contact New Theatre Project Manager Katy Dammers via email at kdammers@jacobspillow.org.
Watch our Application Webinar from November 15, 2023!
This online webinar reviewed the application process and provided contextual information about the reimagined Doris Duke Theatre.
The Reimagined Doris Duke Theatre
Want to know more about the new theatre? Click below to read about the design team and their vision.
