10 Art Events for Juneteenth Joy in NYC
David Hammons-inspired freedom flag workshops, a community art mosaic, late hours at the Bronx Museum, and more activities to mark the contemplative holiday.
The United States' Juneteenth federal holiday, commemorating the day emancipation reached Texas years after the proclamation of the end of slavery, turns six this Friday.
Notably, this year, the public holiday's festivities coincide with the country's 250th anniversary, which has propelled a nationwide discourse about which American stories ought to be elevated. In New York, arts groups and organizations are honoring the contemplative and joyous date with events ranging from heritage walks and drag performances to DJ sets and museum exhibitions. Here's a selection of programming across the boroughs this long weekend.
The Bronx Museum's Juneteenth Celebration
The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse, The Bronx
Thursday, June 18, 6–9pm
The Bronx Museum will keep its galleries open late on Tuesday night for a Juneteenth event co-organized by the political communications firm PR2Politics. This celebration will feature drumming performances, DJ sets, conversations, and after-hours access to the museum's current exhibition The Seventh AIM Biennial: Forms of Connection.
The Flea Public Performance Series
The Flea, 20 Thomas Street, Tribeca and various locations, Manhattan
June 18–24
The Flea Theater's annual Juneteenth free performance series returns, kicking off on Thursday night at South Street Seaport with artist Asia Stewart's “after air,” a memorial to individuals trafficked into slavery via the port of New York in the early 1800s. Next Wednesday, June 24, the Flea will also hold a talk by sociologist Renée T. White exploring the 250th anniversary of the United States. More details on performances and locations are available here.
Studio Museum Juneteenth Community Day
Studio Museum, 144 West 125th Street, Harlem, Manhattan
Friday, June 19, 11am–8pm
This family-friendly event marks the museum's first Juneteenth celebration since its long-awaited reopening earlier this year. Through a series of drop-in sessions, the institution is offering David Hammons-inspired freedom flag workshops, reflection sessions, sound baths, movement exercises, and a discussion on incarcerated elders. Some events require RSVP, here.
