A dimly lit performance space with warm amber stage lights casting dramatic shadows across a wooden floor, deep blacks and rich golds dominating the scene

Artistic Projects

A collection of past and ongoing work — installations, performances, and collaborations by Kenna Cottman and fellow artists.

Featured Projects

Selected works spanning dance, installation, and community collaboration

An art gallery interior with sculptural elements and soft gallery lighting, muted grays and warm earth tones filling the room
November 2013

TAKK — the Installation

Presented at JXTA – Moja Gallery, 1108 W. Broadway, North Minneapolis. An immersive installation exploring layered narratives through movement and visual art.

A cozy community gathering space with colorful textiles draped on walls, warm amber and terracotta tones, soft natural light
2013

Abuelita Rosa – Rafa House – JXTA Co-op

A collaborative project rooted in community wellness and cultural storytelling, hosted in partnership with Rafa House and the JXTA cooperative.

A theater stage viewed from the wings, deep burgundy curtains framing a spotlight pool on the floor, rich shadows and warm highlights
Upcoming

Choosing Your Weapons — the Next Cottman Family Show

A family-driven performance work in development, continuing the Cottman tradition of blending personal narrative with African diasporic movement.

A high school auditorium with rows of empty seats and a bare stage, cool institutional lighting with warm exit-sign glow
Past

Stage Parents @ Southwest High School

A performance project staged at Southwest High School, engaging students and families in collaborative dance and storytelling.

More Projects

Additional works and events from the archive

  • F6An experimental performance piece exploring form and improvisation.
  • Outlet 2: VoC przenta FUZIONVoice of Culture presents a fusion showcase blending traditional West African forms with contemporary expression.
  • Ateya Ball's African Dance Class — June 21A community dance class led by Ateya Ball, hosted as part of the broader programming calendar.
  • PretendA conceptual work investigating identity, performance, and the spaces between.
  • Straight Talk Session on Blackness — June 15A facilitated community dialogue on Black identity and cultural expression.
  • African Nights 2013: GuineéA celebration of Guinean music, dance, and culture presented in 2013.

Read reflections, reviews, and behind-the-scenes notes on these projects and more.

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