Synopsis:

Airlift’s eponymous project brought a dozen new orleans performers and the work of even more visual artists to Berlin for three weeks of festivals, nightclub engagements, an art exhibition and a fair bit of mayhem.

Project Description:

Named after the Berlin Airlift of WWII, New Orleans Airlift to Berlin was founders Jay Pennington and Delaney Martin’s vision for a showcase of New Orleans artists. Imagined as a one-time project way back in late 2007, the idea was to help artists returning to New Orleans post-katrina find new audiences to support them as they rebuilt their lives in the city. Martin and Pennington saw Berlin as a sister city that would give their artist friends a warm reception (not to mention couches to sleep on).

Partnerships were formed with Berlin Lacht, a street festival promoter, the Bereznitzky Gallery and a handful of Berlin nightclub owners that Pennington and Martin knew. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, the duo were helping their artists fill out grant applications - many for the very first time. Eventually the show got on the road, bringing 14 performers and the work of another 18 visual artists overseas for three weeks of engagements. Fun fun fun, some chaos, more fun. It was Airlift’s first big project and we really didn’t know what we were doing!