BLINK Commons Mural Dance Performance by 1001 Colors + Pones Apprentices

Experience Commons through movement at BLINK 2026!

As part of BLINK 2026, Pones and 1001 Colors Apprentices will present an original dance work inspired by Commons, the downtown Cincinnati mural designed by internationally renowned Pakistani and American artist Shahzia Sikander.

Through dance and movement, the performance explores themes of identity, feminism, power, autonomy, and transformation, bringing the ideas behind Commons off the wall and into a live, shared experience. 

The performance was created collaboratively over 10 weeks by eight 1001 Colors apprentices working alongside Pones dancers, artists, and activists. Together, they explored how movement can offer another way to engage with public art and express what it means to be seen, heard, and empowered.

Adding another layer to the experience, artist Chaske Haverkos will illuminate Commons through projection mapping, allowing light, color, and movement to transform the mural for the weekend. 

Catch multiple performance throughout the evening and experience the connection between mural art and movement in the heart of downtown Cincinnati.