Harmonize: Connecting Communities Through Music (Local Music Programming in NYC Public Spaces)

Do you have specific Neighborhood(s) in mind?

Sunset Park

Which group(s) does your idea focus on? Select as many as apply.

Youth

Older Adults

Public Housing Residents

Justice Impacted People

People with Disabilities

Limited English Speakers

Immigrants/ Migrants

Veterans

LGBTQ+ People

Parents

Unhoused People

Low Income People

Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color

And everyone else too!

Describe the challenge you want to address:

This challenge addresses the lack of opportunities for genuine social connection and cultural exchange in everyday public spaces. In busy urban environments, people often remain in their own bubbles, focused on routines and disconnected from those around them. Introducing diverse music programming helps break down these barriers, fostering cross-cultural understanding, reducing stress, and creating rare moments of joy and connection in public spaces, especially in a rapidly privatizing urban landscape. It also provides a platform for local artists who might otherwise go unnoticed, enriching the cultural landscape while combating the alienation and loneliness driven by mass media segmentation and the attention-driven economy

What is the solution to the challenge?

Diverse music programming in public spaces, featuring local artists from various backgrounds, genres, and generations, helps foster genuine human connections. By showcasing a wide range of artists, these events bridge gaps between audiences of different cultures, ages, and musical preferences. Hosting these performances in places like in or near subway stations breaks people out of their daily routines, encouraging spontaneous communal artistic expression and celebration. It reduces stress and reminds us of the joy of being alive.

Please provide your Zip Code

11220