Newtown Creek Alliance | Cultivating Wildflower Gardens and the Arts

It’s been several months since we provided an update on our green partner and steward of Kingsland Wildflowers, the Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA). In fact, the last time we checked-in was fall of 2020 and a lot has been happening since then. Let’s begin at the top, the rooftop that is – Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages.

While unable to host rooftop events in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NCA has been busy tending to the Kingsland Wildflowers garden and preparing for what we hope will be a busy and pollinator friendly year. On the first day of spring, volunteers (wearing face masks and social distancing) rolled up their sleeves for the spring cut-back. They also collected seeds, being packaged as the Kingsland Wildflowers Post Pandemic Seed Mix, that will be given away to spread the green! We expect a lot of blooms on the rooftop this summer and are hopeful to welcome our community back, albeit with a few safety protocols. Watch for information about upcoming events including performances from NOoSPHERE Arts who plan to continue their We are Nature series. While the jury is still out on whether or not the summer festival will take place, plans are underway for a Climate Week initiative with the High Line in the fall.

NCA has also been actively working to cultivate the link between the environment and the arts, and recently partnered with an arts group called AnkhLave Arts Alliance. This non-profit arts organization focuses on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists, promoting their work both outside of and inside the traditional gallery space. Seeking to advance equality in the arts, Founder and Executive Director, Dario Mohr, an accomplished artist in his own right, established an Artist in Residence program and choose Yvonne Shortt as the first recipient. Ms. Shortt will create a sculpture that will be placed at Kingsland Wildflowers rooftop in late spring or early summer. We can’t wait to see the creation. We will keep you posted on progress and events at Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages. In the meantime, enjoy the new season!