NOVEL FORMATS at AVA Gallery

NOVEL FORMATS ON-SITE

A project by Rachel Bernsen and Collaborators: Megan Craig, Chico Eastridge, JAM – Junction Arts & Media, Noah Mease, and Jean Carla Rodea

Opening reception: Friday, January 16, 5-7 PM

Dates: January 16, 2026 – February 14, 2026

Scheduled performances: Fri. 1/23 and Sat. 1/24; Fri. 2/6 and Sat. 2/7 | Reception 6:30 PM, performances at 7 PM

Watch previous performances of Novel Formats (set at JAM; produced by Chico Eastridge) here.

Tickets and more information on the AVA Gallery website.

Novel Formats is a cycle of seven performance works that explore the phenomenal nature of dance in conversation with forms outside itself. Each dance is unique, and each work in Novel Formats is a distinct collaboration between dance, music, and visual art. For each, artists come together from a range of practices and, in varying permutations, engage collectively in performance making. In doing so, they investigate the social and political dimensions of improvisation. The works demonstrate that improvisation can be a shared experience that transcends discipline: it is a communal practice, a way to be in relationship with oneself, with others, and the world. To date, three works in the Novel Formats cycle have been created and performed: #1: A Dialogue, #2: The Set Up, #3: Loop. AVA will be premiering performances of the next two works: #5: For A Time, #6: You Are Here, Change, Change, Change.