Museum of Jewish Heritage Seeks Emerging Jewish Artists

Here’s an excerpt from a press release I received today from the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York:

After three years of sold-out shows which the Downtown Express called “authentic, funny — and yes, subversive…” the Museum is seeking submissions by up-and-coming local Jewish artists for possible inclusion in this year’s event. The winners will be showcased in a dynamic evening of cutting-edge comedy, music, storytelling, and film at the Fourth Annual New York’s Best Emerging Jewish Artists at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust on Wednesday, June 17. The show will take place in Edmond J. Safra Hall, the Museum’s 375-seat-theater, which features state-of-the-art light and sound systems, and a Fazioli grand piano.

Filmmakers, musicians, singers, comedians, poets, spoken word artists, and dancers are invited to send performance samples by April 13 to Sarah Wolff at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, NY, NY 10280. Inquiries may be sent to Swolff(at)mjhnyc(dot)org with Emerging Artist in the subject line.

To be eligible, performers must: be at least 18 years old by May 1; submit materials informed by Jewish themes or identity; and be based in the New York tri-state area. Finalists may be required to audition at the Museum for the judging committee.

Submit a maximum of two (2), five to ten minute samples in DVD, or CD format – cued to play or including a cue time – that best represents the work that would be performed if selected. Do not submit originals; materials will not be returned. Samples must be labeled individually with the applicant’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and title. Include a brief description of the work. If possible, also enclose artist bios and/or photos. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Submissions must be post-marked or received no later than 5 p.m. on April 13.

Up to four winners will be notified by phone by May 13 and will receive $250 for the performance.

Nextbook’s Call for Film Festival Criticism

According to its Web site, Nextbook is partnering with The Jewish Museum and the Film Society of Lincoln Center “to bring an exciting opportunity to our New York area readers: the chance to be a film critic-for-a-day. If you attend any of the 32 screenings that are part of the 2009 New York Jewish Film Festival, you will be eligible to submit a review to be published on Nextbook.org.”

Nextbook will be giving away two tickets for each of the festival’s screenings. But whether you respond to the ticket offer or not (or in time to obtain complimentary admission), you’ll still be welcome to review festival films and submit them to Nextbook. The filmgoer who writes the best review will receive a boxed set of the Nextbook/Schocken Jewish Encounters book series, plus a one-year membership to The Jewish Museum.

Details and guidelines, as well as information on the festival films, are all available at the Web site.

Irène Némirvosky and the Jewish Question

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend last week’s panel discussion at the Museum of Jewish Heritage on “Irène Némirovsky and the Jewish Question.” On the bright side, though, the Museum has made podcast segments available on its Web site, and I’ve had some time this weekend to listen. Well worth my time, and, if you’re interested in Némirvosky and her work, quite likely worth yours, too.

Summer Internships at the National Yiddish Book Center

Received this info via e-mail:

INTERNSHIPS: June 14-July 24, 2009
at the National Yiddish Book Center
Amherst, MA
Live and learn Yiddish for six weeks in the lively Five College area:

Intensive beginning and intermediate Yiddish-language classes.
Studies in Yiddish Culture and Eastern European History.
Hands-on professional experience with the Book Center’s staff.
Research opportunities.
Field trips, workshops, performances, and more.

Full-time undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Each student receives free tuition and credit for two undergraduate courses. Application Deadline: February 2, 2009

For more information and application guidelines go to http://www.yiddishsummer.org/