The 8-hour telethon. Performa Telethon was reminiscent of popular telethons from around the world. The Telethon was heavily inspired by Nam June Paik’s iconic 1984 live broadcast Good Morning Mr. Orwell, which the artist saw as a rebuttal to George Orwell’s dystopian vision of 1984.

The Telethon is heavily inspired by Nam June Paik’s iconic 1984 live broadcast Good Morning Mr. Orwell, which the artist saw as a rebuttal to George Orwell’s dystopian vision of 1984. 

Produced  in collaboration with E.S.P. TV, with set and broadcast direction by Victoria Keddie, the line-up will include live music from special guests, pre-recorded testimonials from Performa commissioned artists and supporters, and newly commissioned live performances. Complete with a bank of telephones and operators, a giant tally board of funds pledged, a studio stage for the MC and special guests, balloons, confetti, and the presentation of giant checks, the Performa Telethon will be reminiscent of popular telethons from around the world. In a nod to home shopping networks such as QVC, a suite of six artist editions will be debuted throughout the duration of the broadcast. 

The 8-hour Performa Telethon is supported by Pace Gallery and broadcast live from the 7th floor performance space of Pace’s 540 West 25th Street gallery.