Dear Friends and Supporters of Bernice Bing,
A big thank you from all of our team to all who have pledged their support to The Worlds of Bernice Bing! I am humbled and heartened by the community’s generosity! Not only did we climb past our original goal to $5504, but we received two additional donations off-line bringing our total to $6104! This means that each of you have participated in history-making. We have some fabulous perks that you will receive as a token of our gratitude. Be sure to stay tuned for updates leading up to the Premiere in June! https://www.facebook.com/BerniceBingFilm
This campaign is fiscally sponsored by Asian American Women Artists Association and all donations are tax deductible.
What is the project?
We need to raise $5,000, to complete a documentary about visionary painter and community activist, Bernice Bing (1936-1998), titled, The Worlds of Bernice Bing. Cal Humanities Community Story Grant and San Francisco Foundation Bay Area Documentary Fund recognized the value of Bernice Bing’s story by awarding Asian American Women Artists Association grants to fund The Worlds of Bernice Bing. We are so close, but AAWAA needs to raise the last $5000 as per the contract of our grant awards. Help us to complete the film at a level of excellence that Bernice Bing’s memory deserves. Even if we do not meet the $5,000 goal, the movie will eventually get made, but AAWAA's awards are contingent on this last critical sum of money. If we get MORE than $5,000 we will be able to pay people who have donated their time and skills.
Your contribution will go towards funding the following areas:
- Music clearances
- Additional Editing time
- Archival film clearances
In return:
We have developed some extra special perks as a token of our deep appreciation:
1) $10- Every bit counts and we appreciate every dollar. A shout out on Facebook and we will put your name on our website!
2) $25 - All the above Perks + Limited Edition Movie Poster
3) $50 - All the above Perks + (5) Notecards of Blue Mountain No.4 1965 by Bernice Bing.
4) $100 - All the above Perks + Director signed DVD Pre-Release of The Worlds of Bernice Bing
5) $250 - All the above Perks + Limited Edition 8x10 Giclee print of Ideograph, 1989 by Bernice Bing.
6) $500 - All the above Perks + Limited Edition 15.5"x10"Photograph of Bernice Bing by Bob Hsiang, 1990.
7) $1000 - All the above Perks + film credit
![Bernice Bing, Blue Mountain No.4, 1965 Bernice Bing, Blue Mountain No.4, 1965]()
Bernice Bing, Blue Mountain No.4 1965.
![Bernice Bing, Ideograph, 1989. Bernice Bing, Ideograph, 1989.]()
Bernice Bing, Ideograph, 1989.
Bernice Bing by Bob Hsiang, 1990.
Who are we?
We have assembled an amazing team to work on this film: My name is Jennifer Banta and I am a cultural activist and writer who has researched and written extensively on the re-framing of the life and work of Bernice Bing. The concept for the film is based on my 2009 Master Thesis in Visual and Critical Studies from California College of Arts. I am the Project Director and Writer and I am collaborating with Filmmaker Madeleine Lim, Founder of Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project, Amal Kouttab, Executive Producer Asian American Women Artist Association, Art Historian Moira Roth of Mills College and Art Historian Tirza Latimer of CCA, Artists Kim Anno, Lenore Chinn, Shari Arai DeBoer, Nancy Hom, Carlos Villa, Flo Oy Wong, and Bing Estate Executor, Alexa Young. This is only a partial list of an eclectic and brilliant group of people who knew Bernice and/or have been touched by her work, and are devoted to telling her story.
Where is it?
The Worlds of Bernice Bing documentary will have a world premiere film screening in San Francisco at the 2013 Queer Women of Color Film Festival in June and select venues throughout the S.F. Bay Area.
Why this project?
Bing’s life was rich with influences from Chinatown, the Beat scene in North Beach with jazz, fellow painters and wild times, to her years painting up North in the country amongst a close circle of women friends. Her paintings are bold and lush and fearless, from gestural abstractions to sensuous landscapes. Her story offers a glimpse into another chapter of Beat History and the times around Abstract Expressionism. Bing had access to the art world as an integral player. Her marginalization occurred with the passage of time. You can help us bring her important story to light!
Why now?
Bing’s story offers a different view of the Chinese American experience by critically addressing one of the major art movements of the twentieth century. Bing was at the forefront of the Bay Area’s avant-garde gallery scene; yet had to overcome obstacles in the male-dominated San Francisco Bohemian milieu. As an activist, she sought to level the playing field in the arts for people of color. She was a prime mover in developing programs that have lasted for decades and continue to be critically needed. She created alternatives for at-risk youth to turn from violence to something positive through art. Bing’s life story provides a model during these shifting times when ingenuity and visionary action are needed. Bernice Bing’s paintings also speak for themselves and do so powerfully. The time has come. People need to see her work and hear about her story. We ask that you join us on this historical journey.
Why us?
Our project team is made up of individuals who collectively represent artists, scholars, community-based cultural workers and directors. We have over fifty years of combined experience in the Arts, with award-winning recognition and scholarly achievement; all of this will contribute to a successful and brilliant project.
AAWAA is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to ensuring the visibility and documentation of Asian American women in the arts. AAWAA raises the visibility of Asian American Art, provides thought-provoking perspectives that challenge societal assumptions and, promotes dialogue across cultures and generations. http://www.aawaa.net
Other Ways You Can Help
If you just can’t contribute monetarily at this time, that doesn’t mean you can’t help.
We encourage everyone who hears about our project to help spread the word and make some noise about our campaign. Remember to use the Indiegogo share tools and stay tuned for updates on the film: www.facebook.com/BerniceBingFilm
Please do not under-estimate the enormous power of sharing!
Thank you for your support. Your contributions will ensure the visibility and documentation of an important Asian American Artist.