About This Project

Why this Project

New York City is arguably the arts capital of the world, but many of those who helped make the creative fabric of the city’s arts landscape have not reaped the benefits of their enormous contributions. Missing from the standard purview is the creative dynamism alive in POC neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs—far away from Museum Mile, Lincoln Center, and the like.

The experience and aesthetics of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and all People of Color are representative of the rich tapestry of cultures found across the city. Through a culturally responsive pedagogy that places people and community care at the center, they make meaningful connections between their constituencies’ experiences and their offerings (exhibitions, programs, and social services). They are thought leaders of community-centered, rather than collection-centered, approaches. Support for their work is crucial. 

HueArts NYC is working to transform NYC’s arts sector. It aims to create a pathway for greater acknowledgement and support of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and all People of Color arts entities. This initiative is a conduit that provides not only a framework to present the stories of those who build and lead these arts entities, but data that helps capture the context in which these organizations operate. This is illustrated in anecdotal stories and data graphs found throughout the report. 

We hope to bring forth multidimensional support, including financial support, for these arts entities. In doing so, HueArts NYC also aims to promote the social and economic mobility of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and all People of Color throughout the five boroughs—not only a vital issue in the arts but one that is directly connected to the deep-rooted systemic and generational racism that has overwhelmingly affected these communities. 

Over the years, several attempts have been made to uplift the voices and conversations that take place regularly within  communities. While the conversations have resulted in some changes, it has not been enough to support the arts entities; therefore, growing frustration and wariness rightfully exist. 

The hope is that HueArts NYC will create new connections and collaborations among arts leaders, cultural producers, artists, and others across the five boroughs and begin to change the narrative while deepening knowledge, support, and patronage. We hope to drive increased momentum and excitement for these entities in New York City and beyond, as well as enable adoption of intentional and targeted strategies that support the long-term stability and sustainability of arts entities founded and led by Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and all People of Color.

Top Photo: Installation of “A Living Room on Roosevelt/Una Sala en la Roosevelt,” a collaborative project between The LP Commissions Artist Ro Garrido and Queens Neighborhoods United. Commissioned by The Laundromat Project, 2015. Image Credit: Neha Gautam