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Springtime in NYC just got a little bit more interesting with the announcement of Restart Stages at Lincoln Center. An outdoor performing arts center comprising 10 open-air performance and rehearsal spaces, the initiative is aimed at kickstarting the performing arts sector and New York City’s revival.
Described as “offering an array of vibrant programming that represents the rich tapestry of the city,” Restart Stages launches on World Health Day, April 7, with a special performance for healthcare workers.
The upcoming program will feature events by arts and community organizations, including Lincoln Center’s resident companies. Enjoy a concert and cabaret series by Lincoln Center Theater, film screenings from Film at Lincoln Center, dance workshops from New York City Ballet, and performances by the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD!), Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, Harlem Week and the Harlem Arts Alliance, Korean Cultural Center New York, Weeksville Heritage Center, and many more.
New Yorkers can also participate in a range of civic and community service opportunities. These include blood drives in partnership with the New York Blood Center and food distributions in partnership with Food Bank For New York City. Lincoln Center will also serve as a designated primary election polling place in partnership with the Board of Elections.
“The cultural community has an urgent role to play in the revitalization of New York, to showcase that our city is not just back economically, but spiritually and socially. Which is why we knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that as the city reopened, it was our absolute obligation and privilege to be first in line to support our constituents, New Yorkers and the cultural community,” Henry Timms, President & CEO of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts said in a statement.
“The cultural community has an urgent role to play in the revitalization of New York, to showcase that our city is not just back economically, but spiritually and socially….” Henry Timms, President & CEO of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts said in a statement.
This is one of the most tone-deaf statements I could imagine coming from a man whose annual salary in nearly half a million dollars. The individuals, who comprise this community have been completely left out in the cold by leadership at every level of government–local, state, and federal. The quotes I’ve seen from both Cuomo and DeBlasio are scoff-inducing, at best, claiming the Arts are the “heart and soul” of NYC, yet not showing any support for artists during this time of flux. I long for the days where I can again attend shows–indoors or outdoors–of musicians, dance companies, theater, burlesque, comedians, etc., by friends and professionals.
The irony of the statement above citing the return of the cultural community as an indicator NYC has come back economically, spiritually, and socially, while completely ignoring and depriving those basic needs from the very people expected to exemplify their rebound is too much to swallow.