Mission
Premised on the belief that the arts are an effective vehicle for social transformation, Hook Arts Media® unites artists and community members as co-creators in dynamic cultural activities.
Our Story
Originally known as Dance Theatre Etcetera, Hook Arts Media achieved national acclaim for making the arts a critical component of urban renewal and recovery efforts in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Dance Theatre Etcetera was noted for its many groundbreaking site-specific dance productions and performing arts education programs. As the organization has evolved, it has rebranded as Hook Arts Media to reflect its new focus on creative learning for community change, incorporating 21st-century technology into its arts education programs.
Hook Arts Media’s in-school multidisciplinary arts/media programs primarily serve NYC transfer high schools, and its community-based programs focus on digital media and computer literacy, preparing young people with skills and knowledge they will need for college and/or the workforce.
25 Years of Changemaking Through the Arts
1993
Hook Arts Media Founder and Executive Director, Martha Bowers, conceived of and choreographed On the Waterfront, a site-specific dance performance featuring more than 50 Red Hook community members.
1994
Dance Theatre Etcetera and Dancing in the Streets produce the Young Peoples Performance Festival, the precursor of the annual Red Hook Fest.
1994: Getting Official
Dance Theatre Etcetera is officially incorporated.
Mid 90s
Hook Arts Media is a lead member of the Red Hook Partners, an association of local businesses, school, and cultural organizations working together to further urban renewal efforts in Red Hook.
1998
Hook Arts Media produces Safe Harbor, a site-specific performance designed for the Red Hook waterfront featuring a cast of professional artists and local community members.
2001: Safe Harbor Goes to Ireland
Bowers's award-winning site-specific dance piece goes to Cork, Ireland.
2002
Hook Arts Media shifts mission and primary activities to focus on arts and media education while continuing to produce Red Hook Fest and other events. Hook Arts Media is on the design team for the new South Brooklyn Community High School.
2004
Hook Arts Media produces the award-winning site-specific production Angels and Accordions at Green-Wood Cemetery 2004-2010.
2007: A New Home
The O’Connell Organization honors Hook Arts Media with rent-free office space in recognition of its community service.
2012: Superstorm Sandy
Superstorm Sandy strikes Red Hook. Hook Arts Media becomes a vital part of recovery efforts and joins the Red Hook Coalition.
2018: 25 Years Strong
Dance Theatre Etcetera officially becomes Hook Arts Media and celebrates 25 years of uniting artists, educators, and communities to build a more just and joyful world!
