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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Roman Baca, Artistic Director and Cofounder of Exit12 Dance Company
1:19:18
ยท
4 min
Roman Baca, a US Marine Iraq war veteran and the artistic director of Exit12 Dance Company, testified about the power of dance and storytelling in healing veterans and educating the public about military service. He highlighted the company's 17-year history in New York City, its impact on veterans, and the importance of arts programs for addressing veterans' mental health challenges.
- Exit12 has presented over 125 performances, showcasing stories of over 1,000 veterans and engaging 75,000 audience members.
- Baca emphasized the need for continued support to sustain and expand their work in the face of rising costs.
- He invited council members to attend their upcoming workshop series and performance at the Intrepid Museum.
Roman Baca
1:19:18
Good afternoon, chair Holden, members of the New York City Council veteran committee on veterans, and guests.
1:19:25
My name is Ramon Baca, and I am a US Marine Iraq war veteran and the artistic director and cofounder of Exit 12 Dance Company, a New York City based nonprofit that uses dance and storytelling to heal veterans, advocate for veterans issues, and educate audiences about the impacts of service.
1:19:44
For over 17 years, exit 12 has proudly called New York City home, leveraging the vibrancy and diversity of this city to elevate the voices of active duty military, veterans, and their families through the arts.
1:19:57
Our story begins with a simple yet profound realization.
1:20:02
The arts have the power to heal and connect.
1:20:05
As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I returned from Iraq searching for ways to process my experiences and reconnect with my community.
1:20:15
I went back to dance and it became my outlet and my lifeline.
1:20:19
Exit 12 was born from a desire to share that transformative power with others.
1:20:25
According to the VA's whole health program, last year, approximately 41% of veterans reported experiencing mental health challenges like PTSD or anxiety.
1:20:37
They also found ho that holistic approaches integrating physical, emotional, and social well-being, like dance and theater, showed promise in improving overall health outcomes.
1:20:49
I have dedicated my career to encouraging and engaging veterans both in the US and the UK in the arts and recovery programs, collaborating with esteemed organizations such as the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Royal British Legion, the Ministry of Defense in the UK.
1:21:07
Holding a masters of fine arts in this work, I am now pursuing a PhD to further explore how the performing arts profoundly impacts and benefits the military community.
1:21:17
Since our founding in 2007, we have presented over 125 performances across New York City and internationally at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, the Intrepid Museum, the 92nd Street Y, Walter Reed Military Medical Center, and West Point Military Academy that have showcased the personal stories of over 1,000 veterans.
1:21:39
We've engaged over 75,000 audience members with stories that explore themes of war, service, and the human condition.
1:21:46
And we have released 2 short documentaries filmed here in New York City detailing our impact with the military community that won national awards and attention while highlighting New York City as a place where veterans could heal and connect through the arts.
1:22:02
One of our core missions is community engagement.
1:22:05
We conduct workshops where veterans, military families, and civilians come together to create performances and art, fostering mutual understanding and healing.
1:22:13
This work is particularly impactful for under served populations like the military community.
1:22:19
Offering a safe space for dialogue and self expression.
1:22:23
1 of our participants, US army veteran and New York City resident, Anthony Roberts said, how does dance feel?
1:22:29
I feel like Joe Cocker after happy hour, but that's okay.
1:22:32
I'm still veteran uncertain, very tense, until I'm actually doing it.
1:22:36
I've definitely felt a sense of release, peace, coming to terms with what happened through movement.
1:22:43
The setting of New York City and its unparalleled cultural ecosystem has been essential for our success.
1:22:48
It allows us to collaborate with local arts organizations and bring veterans and interested members of the public together in community spaces that cultivate and celebrate diversity.
1:22:57
New York City is the world's cultural center and as such, we argue that it should be an example to the world by offering world class arts to veterans.
1:23:05
However, as costs rise and resources become scarcer, we need continued support to sustain and expand our work.
1:23:12
I urge this council to recognize and support the critical role the arts play in the lives of veterans and their families.
1:23:18
Programs like our annual workshop and performance partnering with the Intrepid Museum are vital to organizations like ours, ensuring that we can continue to enrich the cultural fabric of this city while addressing the unique needs of its veteran population.
1:23:32
On behalf of Exit 12 Dance Company, I thank you for your time, your attention, and your commitment to fostering a city where art, healing, and community intersect.
1:23:41
I invite each of you to attend one of our 8 week creative workshop series or public performance with New York City veterans, their families, and the community.
1:23:49
The next one is on the intrepid starting in April with our final showing, May 30th, to witness firsthand the profound impact of this work.
1:23:59
Thank you.
1:23:59
I'm, open to answer any questions.