Mission & Values
LEIMAY (CAVE Organization Inc.) is a grassroots POC artist-run organization and performing arts ensemble that exists out of a converted garage space called CAVE in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Initiated by Shige Moriya of Japan in 1996 and joined by Ximena Garnica of Colombia in 2001, LEIMAY is led by immigrant artists and holds a regular NYC home season, offers classes to the public, brings in guest artists for workshops, and collaborates with presenting and educational partners across NYC and in upstate NY. LEIMAY was incorporated in 2003 by Ximena and Shige who were passionate about creating a space for art to exist amongst the barriers and challenges in NYC. We believe in the circulation of energies, resources, and imagination.
Our collaborative multidisciplinary works include sculptural, video, mixed-media, and light installations as well as photography, training projects, stage performances, and publications. Our work exists in different domains, from large-scale productions for the theater or gallery space to art installations or performances in public places, to artifacts for someone’s home, to advocacy projects and creative protests, to a multi-year festival or educational program. Check out Ximena Garnica and Shige Moriya’s portfolio here.
LEIMAY supports butoh practitioners, dancers, musicians, theater artists, visual artists, puppeteers, performance artists, and beyond. Our vision is to effect positive change in our community, sustain a professional Ensemble of performers, and make interdisciplinary artwork accessible to people with limited resources, opportunities, or exposure to art. Under Ximena and Shige’s leadership, LEIMAY has spearheaded a plethora of programs and initiatives that support artistic exploration, resource sharing, community, and professional development. Read more about LEIMAY community programs here.