OUR IMPACT
Empowering dancers. Strengthening community. Moving culture forward.
Strengthening the Cultural and Creative Ecosystem
The CRayProject plays a critical role in expanding access to high-quality dance training, culturally relevant programming, and professional opportunities for Black and Brown artists in Long Beach. Our work supports the development of a sustainable, inclusive dance ecosystem by centering communities that have historically been underrepresented and underfunded within the performing arts.
By prioritizing equitable pay, cultural preservation, and artistic excellence, we create pathways for dancers to build meaningful careers while contributing to the cultural vitality of the region.
Community Impact at a Glance
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500+ community members served annually through classes, workshops, and events
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75+ dancers employed and paid fair compensation each year
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1,000+ audience members reached through annual festivals and community programs
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Dozens of emerging artists connected to new professional and creative opportunities
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$25,000 invested annually into artist wages, stipends, and development
These figures reflect the organization’s capacity to provide consistent, high-impact programming to diverse participants across age, experience, and background.
Supporting Economic Empowerment Through the Arts
CRayProject is committed to ensuring that artists are compensated fairly for their contributions. The Worth Every Move Fund directly supports equitable pay for dancers through stipends, rehearsal wages, and project-based compensation. This initiative addresses the industry-wide inequities that disproportionately impact Black and Brown dancers, providing both economic stability and artistic validation.
Developing Pathways for Professional Growth
Our organization serves as a launching point for emerging dancers, choreographers, and teaching artists by offering:
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Paid performance and rehearsal opportunities
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Creative projects in dance film and interdisciplinary work
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Professional development and training
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Access to local and regional platforms for performance and collaboration
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Connections to industry professionals, festivals, and partners
These pathways strengthen career readiness, expand networks, and provide artists with experiences that position them for long-term success.
Measuring Long-Term Impact
The CRayProject’s work strengthens community resilience, builds social cohesion, and increases access to arts participation for historically underserved populations. By providing equitable opportunities, culturally grounded programming, and economic support for artists, the organization contributes to:
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Increased representation of Black and Brown dancers in performance and leadership
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Greater access to arts education for youth and adults
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Enhanced career trajectories for emerging artists
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A more inclusive and sustainable arts ecosystem across Long Beach
Recognition & Public Impact
CRayProject’s artistic and community leadership have been affirmed through recognition across the Long Beach cultural landscape. In 2021, the organization was honored as a Top 5 finalist in the Long Beach Post’s Best of Long Beach – Reader’s Choice Awards, reflecting the community’s trust in our work and our influence on the city’s creative ecosystem.
In addition, our Artistic Director, Chatiera "Cookie" Ray was awarded the Freedom Fighter: The Sojourner Truth Award for Women’s Rights and Justice by the Community Peace and Wellness Collective of Long Beach. This honor highlights a woman or gender advocate who uplifts marginalized voices with strength and truth.
Together, these recognitions affirm CRayProject’s role as a catalyst for cultural visibility, artistic excellence, and social impact.
Stories That Move Us
Madison Mooney, Executive Director & Sean Gray, Producing Artistic Director (Long Beach Playhouse)
"Proud to be a support! Thank you for including my office and allowing us to support y'all" -Mayor Rex Richardson of Long Beach
"Thank you so much for providing this platform for the city!" -Gravity Dance Company
"You all are doing such amazing work-Leah Smiley Tubbs, Artistic Director of MODARTS Dance Collective
“CRayProject gave me my first paid performance opportunity—and changed my belief in what my dancing is worth.”-Dancer
EXTRA! EXTRA!
Many thanks to our supporters
