Local arts organizations and venues are offering support for the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests happening throughout the city. Here’s a roundup of some of the organizations taking action, offering resources, and even opening up their lobbies (@openyourlobby) for use as rest stops for people participating in the marches:
– Abrons Arts Center writes on Instagram: “There are so many ways to participate: advocate to reallocate funding away from the police towards youth programs, mental health, homeless, and unemployment services; provide jail support for those unjustly arrested at protests across the country; deliver food and medicine for those in your direct neighborhood, and make signs + be a point-of-contact for those protesting…In solidarity with those taking to the streets (and those unable to) in the name of Black liberation, we will be posting resources and bail funds to support in our story. Additionally we are continuing our food delivery and senior wellness check initiatives in our own neighborhood, and are welcoming volunteers.” They are advocating in support of various actions here.
– Arts for Art musicians writes: “On_Line Salons this June are dedicated to JUSTICE IS COMPASSION. They will take place every Wednesday and Friday at 8pm. We hope that these gatherings will continue to inspire hope and change within our communities. Please register to receive the link to watch. Registration is free, but your Donation funds the artist’s fees.”
Bowery Ballroom writes: “Black Lives Matter. The Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge stand solidly and firmly with the Black community. We are distraught and mourn the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all victims of institutionalized racism. We’ve seen this happen over and over again in America. It is not enough to be upset. We must take action. There must be change. We’ll be posting links to our Twitter that you can use to take action, as well as some of the organizations and funds our employees are donating to. The links will also be in our newsletter today.”
Dixon Place opened its lobby (visit #openyourlobby for more) on Friday, June 5th, “in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter…as a safe, socially distanced rest stop for protestors.” Visit their Instagram page for further updates here.
– Joe’s Pub writes: “The current moment is a call to action and presents the opportunity for us to create a just, equitable world together. We believe that the resources listed below will help us to get where we need to go. We strive to be a source for our artist family, audiences, and staff to find resources, support local Black businesses, educate and study anti-racist tools and texts, support Black artists and organizers, and communicate with our local representatives to express our outrage and demand change.
THIS is an extensive document of resources for this moment compiled by Samora Pinderhughes, with causes to donate to, accounts to follow, organizations to take direction from, demands and action items, music (of course!), and more.
Borealis Philanthropy has compiled an extensive list of 70+ Black-led grantees to support.
A few of the Black-led arts organizations we admire are The Laundromat Project, Weeksville Heritage Center,The Culture LP, HealHaus, The Breathing Space, Ethel’s Club, and Rootstock Republic. We hope you’ll take the time to learn more about them.
HERE is a community-edited compilation of Black-owned restaurants and businesses in New York City for you to support.
And HERE is a link to a comprehensive list of Black-led organizations and community partners of the Public Theater.
We are continuing our completely free streaming series of archived performances with Kevin Smith Kirkwood and Jomama Jones on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, at 8PM.”
– Metrograph cinema writes: “Our lobby will be open from 2 – 6pm this weekend, stop by and use the restroom and grab some supplies.”
– Paul Taylor Dance Company writes: “While we engage in urgent and important conversations on both short and long-term actions moving forward, we pledge to keep you informed on the resources we’re using and the steps we’re taking in our ongoing practice of anti-racism. Visit our LINK IN BIO for an ever-evolving list of resources for donating and educating and stay tuned for more. We are committed to listening, learning, connecting, and acting to support our Black community and the Black community as a whole, and standing firmly and unequivocally against systemic racism.”
– The Public Theater is offering their lobby for protestors to rest and drink water. They are also featuring artwork by artist B. Peppers @bpeppersart (above), ““In Memorium Art by Brianna Pippens” with displays of her illustrations in front of The Public and online, including, Justice 4 Ahmaud Arbery, Justice 4 George Floyd, Justice 4 Tony McDade, Justice 4 Breonna Taylor.
