Summer is a time for growth, warmth, and vibrant energy, and Broadway Stages certainly embraced these themes throughout the summer of 2023. From supporting community and industry initiatives to celebrating cultural heritage and the arts, Broadway Stages played a significant role in various events that enriched the lives of our community. Let's take a closer look at our summer journey.

May: Recognizing Asian American Pacific Islanders

Broadway Stages started the summer by promoting  the significance of local Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) during the annual national celebration in May.  At Broadway Stages, we  understand and embrace the value of the diverse cultures that make up New York City. We recognize that this diversity helps to fosters inclusivity within our community.  We hope you will join us next May and throughout the year  in recognizing the contributions of our AAPI neighbors.

May: A Gift of Generosity: CCSO Food Bank - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On May 11, 2023, a ribbon cutting ceremony was hosted by Broadway Stages, in partnership with New York State Senator Jessica Ramos, John Bedoya, owner of Latino Bites, and Evelyn Heilbron, Executive Director of the Community Center Services Organization Corporation (CCSO).  The event celebrated Broadway Stages' generous donation of a 4,200 square foot facility in Elmhurst, Queens, to serve as a temporary food and clothing collection and distribution center for CCSO. This heartfelt donation, valued at over $210,000, included a 12-month no-cost lease to CCSO, a non-profit organization founded by Evelyn Heilbron in June 2020.  CCSO offers support and services for the entire community, without discrimination. They have been tirelessly working to combat hunger in the community, distributing up to 800 packages of non-perishable food and fresh vegetables every Monday since 2020. Broadway Stages is proud to support this initiative, that helps to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

May: Growing Goodness at Eagle St. Rooftop Farm

As summer approached, Broadway Stages celebrated the start of the local harvest season at the Eagle St. Rooftop Farm, stewarded by the Founder of Growing Chefs, Annie Novak.. This urban organic farm prioritizes sustainability and environmental practices including composting and rainwater harvesting, to reduce waste and conserve resources. By growing a wide variety of crops using heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, the farm promotes biodiversity and preserves genetic diversity.

June: Kicking Off Pride Month with Solidarity

June marked the beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and Broadway Stages wasted no time in showing their support. Under the theme "Strength in Solidarity," we celebrated the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community throughout New York City. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is a testament to Broadway Stages' dedication to fostering an equitable and accepting community.

July: We Are Nature

In June, Broadway Stages also announced the continuation of the "We Are Nature" performance series curated by our arts partner NOoSPHERE Arts, led by Sol Kjøk. This rooftop performance series combines art, environmental activism, and community-building, revolving around the theme of "systems thinking." This unique series offers an opportunity to celebrate the interconnectedness of all things while exploring the beauty of the natural world. As part of this initiative, the 2023 Broadway Stages Arts Residency Award recipients were celebrated.  The award supports non-intrusive, sustainable artwork that engages with the community and raises environmental awareness. The recipients, Ezra Campelli and Jeremy Clemente, created the installation Westerlies that aims to break down the boundaries between humanity and nature, offering a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of life.

July: Celebrating Italian Heritage and Sustainable Agriculture

Broadway Stages joined the local celebration of Italian heritage with the Giglio Feast hosted by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, a vibrant event that ran from July 5 to 16. Our support f this annual event highlights our  commitment to embracing and honoring the diverse cultures present across our city. Additionally, we promoted the Queens County Farm Museum, a space dedicated to sustainable agriculture and local history. The museum's mission aligns with Broadway Stages' values of promoting education and sustainable practices in the community.

July: Kingsland Wildflower Festival

In July, Broadway Stages hosted the 7th Annual Kingsland Wildflower Festival, along with the rooftop garden stewards, Newton Creek Alliance and garden designer Alive Structures. We opened our doors to local residents welcoming them to explore our  lush 24,000+ square foot green roof garden. This event offered immersive music and dance performances, along with engaging activities for all ages. Our 7th annual event was among our most successful with an estimated 1,000 locals attending to learn about local environmental initiatives and connect with native plants and birds.

August: Strengthening Community Bonds

August began with Broadway Stages' donation to National Night Out events held across Brooklyn (94th precinct) and Queens (104th precinct), emphasizing our commitment to building stronger community bonds and promoting neighborhood camaraderie.

As the summer came to a close, Broadway Stages also joined in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, promoting an exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library created by Roc Nation. The exhibit showcases the incredible journey of iconic Brooklyn native, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, and the impact of hip-hop on culture and society. Among the works filmed at our first soundstage in Astoria were music videos and many from the hip-hop genre!  Broadway Stages remains dedicated to preserving and promoting cultural heritage and the arts.

Broadway Stages' summer of 2023 was a season of community engagement, cultural celebration, and environmental awareness. It is our hope that our commitment to local initiatives, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating diversity makes a positive impact on the lives of residents and visitors alike.  As the seasons change, we continue our efforts to be a pillar of support and a source of inspiration to our neighbors, our community and our city.