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Cultural Odyssey was founded by Idris Ackamoor, Executive Director, in 1979 and joined by Rhodessa Jones, Co-Artistic Director, in 1983. Together they have developed over a dozen original productions that demonstrate their vision of "ARTS AS SOCIAL ACTIVISM". Since its inception, Cultural Odyssey has been committed to the creation of original work by artists of all cultures. Ackamoor and Jones have undertaken a series of innovative collaborations with nationally renowned artists such as dancer/choreographer Bill T. Jones, the late artist Keith Haring, jazz percussionist Don Moye of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, and pianist Cecil Taylor. Cultural Odyssey is one of the Bay Area's leading touring ensembles and regularly tours the United States, Japan, the Caribbean, and Europe. The company has developed deep artistic roots and community support in San Francisco by showcasing productions, presenting local and national acts for Bay Area audiences, and developing innovative arts training programs for the community. Cultural Odyssey is dedicated to interacting with its community to develop performances and services that have transforming effects. In 1989, Co-Artistic Director Rhodessa Jones conducted a residency at the San Francisco County Jail that resulted in the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women, a visionary model for using art to transform a population in-need.