Gaining Ground
The Gaining Ground Fund supports ambitious new work for our stages and beyond which reflects the African Diasporic experience in America.
ArtsEmerson created Gaining Ground in 2017 to provide resources and freedom to artists creating on an epic scale in order to realize the full ambition of their work. The Fund helps remove obstacles and support the creative process while always allowing these artists to maintain control of their vision.
Since its launch, The Gaining Ground Fund has allowed ArtsEmerson to invest deeply in artists and projects, helping bold work grow from artistic vision to the stage and reach audiences in Boston and beyond.
GAINING GROUND THIS SEASON
In the 2026/27 Season, Gaining Ground is helping make two ArtsEmerson productions possible: Dream Feed and Kunene and the King.
HELP AMBITIOUS WORK GAIN GROUND
Your support gives artists the resources, trust, and creative freedom to think big.
Gifts to the Gaining Ground Fund directly support ambitious work reflecting the African Diasporic experience in America, providing artists with the resources and creative freedom to bring their vision to life.
Previous Gaining Ground Shows
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2018
The White Card – Claudia Rankine
The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence – Step Afrika!
Born for This: A New Musical– Bebe Winans
The Peculiar Patriot – Liza Jesse Peterson
Edmonia Lewis – Bill Banfield Workshop
2019
American Moor – Keith Hamilton Cobb
/peh-LO-tah/ – Marc Bamuthi Joseph
The Magic Flute – Isango Ensemble 2014 & 2019
2020
Mr. Joy – Daniel Beaty 2015 – 2020
2021
…(iphigenia) – esperanza spalding & Wayne Shorter
2022
Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower – Toshi Reagon 2018 & 2022
2023
The Book of Life – Volcano Theatre & The Woman Cultural Centre
2024
In The Same Tongue – Dianne McIntyre Group September
2025/26
The Things Around Us – 2025/26
