Celebrating Judith Jamison

In 2023, a milestone year celebrating Judith Jamison's 80th birthday, Ailey is thrilled to announce the Jamison Women of Ailey Fund. This new fund is dedicated to amplifying and supporting the voices of women choreographers, artistic collaborators, dancers, and arts managers at Ailey.

When Alvin Ailey chose Ms. Jamison as his successor in 1989, he entrusted her to build upon his vision of using the power of dance to showcase the beauty and humanity of the African American experience. Not only did she accomplish that goal, but she was also critical in the growth and expansion of the Ailey organization, both artistically and operationally. Ailey is, in great part, the preeminent cultural institution that it is today, because of Ms. Jamison. Her dynamic leadership and ongoing contributions have made an indelible impression upon the dance community, women and girls, and the entire Ailey community.

With your support, Ailey will deepen its investments in initiatives that propel the professional and artistic development of the Women of Ailey, including:

• Commissioning more female choreographers for both Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II
• Providing support for a new, 3-year Artist in Residence program where choreographers Amy Hall Garner (2023-24), Maria Bauman (2024-25), and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar (2025-26) will each embark upon a special project at Ailey
• Robust professional development opportunities for administrative staff