Our Mission
Matthew Westerby Company was founded in 2009 & became a non-profit organization in 2017. The Company has a mission of building community through the arts, working in diverse communities in New York City and beyond. MWC strives to create access to the performing arts for all, regardless of age, experience level or ability to pay, engaging communities as participants and audience through dance performance, outreach and education. The mission of the Company is built on the belief that through dialogue and common experience we can deepen our ties to our communities and use the arts as a vehicle for conversation, learning and justice. The Company is based in Upper Manhattan.
MEET THE DANCERS
“The essence of Matthew's work is in his authenticity for the art of creating; creating dance, learning, community, connection, and endless opportunities at all levels of engagement. He reminds me of the power of dance, through both his choreography and his commitment to dance education for all. To be a part of these shared company values is deeply meaningful to me.”
— Nikki Penfold, Board Vice President
The Harlem Project
The Harlem Project, first initiated in 2016, takes place each year in and around Harlem. The project brings together professional and community performers to work with Artistic Director Matthew Westerby & the Company in rehearsal and performance, working around themes of community building, dialogue, and collaboration.
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Uptown dances on the lawn
Uptown Dances on the Lawn is an annual community performance project created by the Company in 2022, held on the beautiful Dongan Lawn in Fort Tryon Park in Inwood.
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Youth dance
MWC creates performance opportunities for young people to add to their experiences in the performing arts and to build networks of youth focused organizations in New York City and beyond.
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DONATE TO MWC
Matthew Westerby Company is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission of building community through the arts. The Company relies upon donations from individuals to be able to provide educational programming, professional dance performance and community outreach. Join us today with a donation to support our work!