Con Edison Immigrant Artist Program Newsletter, Issue No. 2

Special Report: Artists Respond to Human Disaster in Haiti

Dear Immigrant Artists and Community,

Performing, literary and visual artists are rallying to support the residents of Haiti in the aftermath of last week’s devastating earthquake. Whether you have loved ones who were affected or simply want to offer your help, there’s a lot you can do as an artist and audience member.

In an impressive feat of emergency organizing, the city’s cultural venues and organizations have filled the coming weeks with fundraising events that offer you the double benefit of seeing great art and supporting a worthy and urgent cause. See this newsletter’s Helpful Tips section for a special spotlight on creative efforts to support disaster relief.

Immigrant Artist Project
New York Foundation for the Arts

Performing, literary and visual artists are rallying to support the residents of Haiti in the aftermath of last week’s devastating earthquake. Whether you have loved ones who were affected or simply want to offer your help, there’s a lot you can do as an artist and audience member. In an impressive feat of emergency organizing, the city’s cultural venues and organizations have filled the coming weeks with fundraising events that offer you the double benefit of seeing great art and supporting a worthy and urgent cause. Here are just a few upcoming events and resources in the five boroughs.

Please note: NYFA does not endorse or officially recommend any of the following listings. We simply want to give you a quick sampling of what’s out there.

Manhattan: The Caribbean Cultural Center presents “I am Ayiti” today, Friday, January 22nd from 7-10pm, highlighting the theme of “Solidarity from NYC to NOLA to Haiti”. A $10 minimum donation will go directly to support the organizations Konbit Pou Edikasyon and Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees. Performers and DJs will entertain the crowd, and CCADI is also serving as a drop-off location for requested supplies. 408 W 58 St (between 9th and 10th Ave), contact Shantrelle Lewis [email protected] for more info.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is organizing two benefit shows “Rasin San Bout/Endless Roots” on Saturday, January 23rd at 7 and 9:30pm featuring a lineup of performances by celebrated dancers and troupes. Donations will go directly to the family of an Ailey teacher who was deeply affected by the quake.

Bronx: The Rebel Diaz Arts Collective in the South Bronx is hosting the fundraiser “I am Haiti/Yo Soy Haiti” on Saturday, January 23rd from 7pm to midnight, featuring a long list of local performers, a $10-20 suggested donation and a special focus on Dominican-Haitian Unity. at 478 Austin Place (6 train to E. 149st), call Nathalie Tejada 646 548 8282 for more information.

Brooklyn: Tabla Rasa Gallery in Sunset Park, Brooklyn is still accepting donations of artwork for their fundraiser on Saturday, January 23rd from 1-4:30pm. The event is free and open to the public, and anyone writing a $75+ check directly to a designated charity can select a donated artwork to bring home. 224 48 St, between 2nd and 3rd Ave, contact Audrey Anastasi 718 833 9100 for more info.

Queens: Indo Caribbean Haitian Disaster Relief is hosting a fundraising concert at Mangoville Lounge in Jamaica Queens this Sunday, January 24th at 4pm. The $15 donation includes dinner and many performances featuring Indo-Caribbean artists. 187-30 Jamaica Ave, call 718-468-4100 for more info.

Staten Island: Enjoy ethnic culinary creations while supporting the cause: Numerous local eating establishments across the borough are joining together to realize “Dining Out for Haiti” on Tuesday, January 26th. Twenty percent of all customer sales at participating eateries will be donated directly to UNICEF US. 

What else can you do?

There is still time to take the lead in making your own contribution as well – contact the organizers of some of the events listed above or your local arts and cultural venues to inquire about donating a performance, a work of art, or putting together your own fundraising effort.

Direct monetary donations are the quickest, easiest, and most direct way to help. The Emergency Resources tab on NYFA Source has been updated with an extensive listing of organizations in need of donations to further their relief efforts in Haiti.