I am writing to thank Homer for supporting the co-presentation by Pier One and the Bunnell Street Arts Center of Niicugni (nee-choog-ne) by Emily Johnson/ Catalyst at Pier One Theatre the last weekend in May. Niicugni worked beautifully at Pier One transforming the space into a hallowed hall of glowing lanterns, haunting melodies and magical fish-dancer storytellers drawing inspiration from Emily’s Yu’pik roots. Special thanks to the Homerites who volunteered to take the stage for a few mysterious moments of Niicugni. An extraordinary amount of foundation funding made it possible for us to present Niicugni in Homer.  If not for private foundation funding from several sources, helping us to fly up a company of six, provide lodging and per diem for the week and a modest honorarium, the $10 to $15 tickets would have been closer to $100 per person. The presentation of Niicugni was made possible by the MetLife Community Connections Fund of the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project. Major support for NDP also is provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation with additional support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Niicugni also was made possible with funding from Rasmuson Foundation through the Harper Arts Touring Fund, administered, under contract, by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. Support also was provided by WESTAF in the form of a TourWest grant. Last, but not least, I thank the city of Homer for supporting the arts in Homer including Pier One Theatre and Bunnell Street Arts Center. Thank you all. 

Asia Freeman, executive/artistic director

Bunnell Street Arts Center