“To co-produce and perform at SOAK is a challenge that makes you grow as an artist. SOAK is the perfect platform to try out new artistic ideas and share them with a supportive audience. This year’s SOAK was produced by the fellows, thus it offered another level of complexity...Continued

“Being a part of SOAK places you within a community of artists who are empowered to take the presentation of their work into their own hands. It is a valuable experience to build something collectively from the ground up, with guidance and framework from LEIMAY.” – Kate Ladenheim, SOAK...Continued

“SOAK was a great opportunity to connect with artists in NYC. It was also helpful with developing new work as well.” – Eunjin Choi, SOAK Artist and LEIMAY Fellow 2017-2018, 2018

“SOAK 2018 gave me an opportunity to meet amazing artists and a big thrill to meet enthusiastic audiences. I really appreciate Ximena and Shige inviting me as a guest Artist. Their passion and effort made me deeply impressed. I really look forward to meeting them again, not only as...Continued

“The SOAK Festival was a wonderful opportunity to perform with like-minded, yet vastly different exploratory artists. I loved that everything was done for and by the artists, a fact which I think rang true in the authenticity of the evenings.” – Teddy Tedholm, SOAK Artist, 2018

“I am fascinated by the bridges between works that have been independently made, and SOAK has provided me with an opportunity to work alongside artists deep in their study. Performing with the support of the students at City Tech at Voorhees Hall allowed my work the time and technical...Continued

“SOAK provides a vital resource to young artists attempting to grow their body of work and hone their craft. Presenting in SOAK offers you both an opportunity to stage and perform work, but also a supportive community that welcomes artistic exploration, success, and failure of all kind, which is...Continued

“SOAK is an incredible opportunity to explore new work in a professional and supportive environment. Shige and Ximena strike a great balance between encouraging experimentation and providing insightful critique to strengthen the work while staying true to its original intention. Presenting with a community of other artists platforming their...Continued

“Sharing new and highly vulnerable solo work during SOAK was affirming for me as a creator and community member. I felt supported by Ximena, Shige, and the entire LEIMAY Team. Post-show feedback from audience members and fellow artists was both insightful and essential to my creative process. I highly...Continued