Seismic Shift is an artist in residence program dedicated to supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Latine, Pacific Islander, Asian, and Arab) artists in creating and presenting transformative works in San Francisco.
Homed at the Geneva Powerhouse in District 11, a culturally rich neighborhood geographically distanced from tech and tourist dollars and other artistic venues, the historic building is a symbol of community strength following its restoration after being damaged in the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989. This new program honors our city’s cultural inheritances and amplifies the potency of community-driven artistry.
Previous Artist: Dazaun Soleyn
📷: Robbie Sweeny
may we heal? is a poignant performance piece delving into the intricate journey of healing a body burdened by unprocessed generational trauma. Set to premiere at the Geneva Powerhouse in May of 2025, this captivating work showcases the artistry of five Bay Area artists: three movement artists and two live accompanists. Incorporating elements of dance, song, spoken word, and architecture, the project aims to embody a deeply human experience, inviting audiences to connect from an open-hearted space.
Central to the performance are five architectural objects crafted from repurposed materials. These objects are dynamically rearranged throughout the show, framing the performers' monologues and movements and altering the space's relational dynamics. Through this innovative approach, "may we heal?" promises to be a transformative experience, engaging viewers in a profound exploration of healing and resilience.
dazaun.dance
Previous Events
📷: Stephen Texeira
may we heal? is an immersive, interdisciplinary performance that invites audiences into a sensory landscape of art, ritual, and remembrance. Through the interweaving of dance, architecture, spoken word, and live music, the work channels the historical and artistic lineages of Black culture—where movement becomes testimony, sound becomes prayer, and space becomes sanctuary. Each element listens and responds to the others, creating a living ceremony of communal healing.
collaborating artists:
Claire Fisher-Mendez | Jordon E. Dabney | Giordan Cuz
What makes Seismic Shift unique is the ability to provide me, as an artist, with agency and autonomy. This allows me to grow creatively and collaboratively while having the resources to sustain a healthy work environment with equitable pay rates as we create the work.
— Dazaun Soleyn, Previous Artist in Residence
