Science is the study of the physical world and society, and humanity has always been inextricably tied to the dictates of science. From the discovery of fire that freed us to roam the world to the current understanding of the laws of physics and chemistry that regulate our universe and our bodies: from the development of the technologies behind medicine, communications, exploration, and warfare to the eventual reformation of our world and ourselves, mankind and science have and will exist together as the best of friends and most bitter adversaries.

As the age of science has become a steady framework for humanity's development, there needs to be an outlet dedicated to artists as they engage in the growing dialogue between science and society. DecadesOut exists to meet that need.

The mission of DecadesOut is to raise public awareness of the cultural impact between science and humanity and transform the discourse between them through an artistic platform; to explore related issues that speak to our existence in this world; and to help artist’s share perceptions of our life on earth that may have been otherwise hidden.

To accomplish this, DecadesOut will develop and produce works of fiction and non-fiction of the highest artistic standards in the disciplines of theatre, film, video, literature, and the visual arts. International in scope, we work with artists from diverse backgrounds to most fully appreciate global viewpoints. Further, each of our programs in film, performance and visual arts builds on the strength and experience of our dedicated staff, as well as the professional relationships we have established throughout our careers.

The work of DecadesOut looks toward the future and through history to not only find where the power of science acts in accord with the spirit of humankind, but also where lessons can be learned to avoid the great potential for harm that science possesses when its power is uncontrollable or misused. It also examines the role that scientists, engineers, explorers and educators have and will play as the human ambassadors to science in the understanding of this fundamental relationship.

The Dismantling of the Star Theatre Brick by Brick — 1902

DecadesOut was incorporated in New York City in April of 2009 as a non-profit organization.

In June 2009, DecadesOut launched its mission and work to the public at its inaugural launch event and fundraiser at the Classic Car Club in Manhattan. At the event, the trailers for our two documentary film projects, New Land, New Life and Burning To Communicate, premiered before over 200 guests and industry professionals. The night was a phenomenal success that laid the foundation for a future of meaningful work.

New Land, New Life investigates on a national scale, the paths of the people displaced during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, how their lives have changed, and the impact left on the cultures of their new hometowns, and on the hometowns they left. The film examines the greater question of human migration patterns, emigration within our country, and the causes and effects of this over time. To answer these questions and document the experiences of those people directly and indirectly involved with the events surrounding the hurricanes, we are interviewing a diverse cross section of the American public, from social service workers to politicians, artists to professors. By doing this, we gain insights into and truly grasp how intensely the culture of one place can affect not only a local community but culture on a national scale. You can view the trailer on the New Land, New Life project page.

Burning to Communicate is a documentary tracing the development of the revolutionary Off-Off Broadway Theatre movement from its genesis to its present influence. DecadesOut has already interviewed several pillars of this community, such as Judith Malina, renowned actress and founder of The Living Theatre, Doric Wilson of the Caffe Cino, Lanford Wilson of the Caffe Cino and La Mama e.t.c., director Marshall Mason, and Tony-nominated, Emmy Award-winning playwright, William Hoffman. We continue to conduct interviews for this project and production is scheduled through 2011. You can view the trailer on the Burning to Communicate project page.

In July/August 2009, DecadesOut traveled to Houston, Galveston, Austin and New Orleans to start the interview process with evacuees, community groups, artists, and politicians, exploring how host cities have been influenced by the influx of New Orleanians, and how vacuum created in New Orleans itself is changing the cultural landscape there . We were honored to meet and include so many amazing people on our shoot, such as former Mayor of Austin Will Wynn, Grammy-nominated jazz musician Hannibal Lokumbe, controversial painter El Franco Lee II in Houston, eminent Professor Stephen Klineberg at Rice University, and Buddy Grantham, Mayor Bill White’s liaison to those resettling in Houston.

In January 2010, we presented our first reading and play development series, The Launch Pad, a three-day event consisting of new and established plays that celebrate and explore different aspects of science. More can be read about The Launch Pad here.

DecadesOut has been created with hope and belief in a future that builds on the connections that exist between us and the universe we live in, and we look forward to growing in our work and sharing in the work of other artists.