Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. During the month of December we encourage you to explore and support the arts and humanities in the city and in your neighborhood. This week, we reflect on a few local artists and organizations featured in our spotlight series throughout the year.  

Alice Austen (1866 – 1952) was a pioneer. She was a landscape designer, a master tennis player, and the first woman on Staten Island to own a car. But, most of all, she was a distinguished and prolific artist in the early days of photography. Since the 1960s, the Alice Austen House, a nationally designated site of LGBTQ history, has kept her bold and talented spirit alive. Today, you can honor LGBTQ+ pioneers by visiting the Alice Austen House Museum on Staten Island in person or virtually. Moreover, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Alice Austen House Museum welcomes donations, volunteers, and interns. Read more about this fascinating woman and the Museum here and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

As Reel Works says, “Change the storytellers, change the world!” Reel Works is a non-profit program that helps young people share their stories through filmmaking, creating a springboard to success in media and beyond. At Reel Works, 100% of alums graduate from high school, and 83% enroll in college. In addition, all Reel Works after-school students are paired 1:1 with professional filmmaker mentors to tell their stories and have their voices heard. As a result, young adults from all backgrounds learn that their stories matter and are an essential part of history in the making. You can help them continue and expand their work by donating here. And keep an eye on all their efforts on Facebook and Instagram.

With more than 1,500 contemporary artworks currently owned by the Bronx Museum of the Arts in all types of media, the Museum has embraced its role as the only contemporary art museum in the borough. Their inclusive programming, including their free admission policy in effect since 2012, reflects the dynamic communities within the Bronx and provides underserved residents access to the arts. In addition to Facebook and INSTAGRAM, the Museum can also be accessed virtually. You can explore the exhibition archives or take a 360˚ virtual tour. Online, you can also venture beyond the exhibitions to these four categories: Art Studio, Guided Tours, Meet the Artist, and Sharing Stories. Also, if you are able, Broadway Stages encourages you to support the Museum and its mission!

Suppose you find yourself on Staten Island with a free afternoon. In that case, we encourage you to visit the Sri Lankan Art & Cultural Museum. In 2017, at 18, Julia Wijesinghe opened the first Sri Lankan Museum outside of  Sri Lanka. The Museum serves as an important cultural touchstone for those seeking to learn more about Sri Lankan heritage and offers fascinating works of art and education about the heritage and customs of Sri Lanka. Read more about it here and stay informed about exhibits and events through Facebook and Instagram.

Last year we introduced you to Yvonne Shortt. A social practice installation artist with a Master of Science - MS, Mathematics from New York University, her work encompasses illustration, installation, sculpture, and photography.  Shortt’s work has been shown in museums and public parks throughout NYC. It deals with various themes, including equality, disability, community, and race. We encourage you to follow and learn more about Ms. Shortt through her Instagram and consider supporting her endeavors with a purchase or a donation!

Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention our good friend and arts partner, Sol Kjøk, founder of NOoSPHERE Arts.  From dance, music, and theater – WE ARE NATURE performance series continues – to installations, murals, and more, Kjøk and her crew present an amazing lineup of artistic presentations for our community. The annual WE ARE NATURE rooftop series featuring Broadway Stages’ Artist-in- Residence Sabrina Barrios was a rousing success. And after two years of events for limited audiences only, the indoor artist salons were finally back. Informal gatherings for artist friends, colleagues, and other art appreciators, the artist salons included various performances, presentations, discussions, and improvised fun. You can support NOoSPHERE Arts here. Stay tuned to their Facebook and Instagram pages for another year of enlightening and engaging art in every medium! Enjoy a video excerpt from WE ARE NATURE 2022: Patterns of Connection, provided below.

Thank you for joining us on our journey of the arts and humanities.  It has been an inspiring year and we look forward to sharing and promoting more artists and performances in the coming year.