From all of us to all of you...
Happy New Year!
As a new year begins, we find ourselves reflecting on the extraordinary journey we've had at Culture Lab LIC. Thanks to you, our mission to bring impactful art to Western Queens has flourished beyond our wildest dreams. Your contributions--whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or simply by spreading the word about our initiatives--have helped us to make a profound difference in the lives of artists and art lovers in our community.
Your generous support not only fueled our programs but also directly impacted the artists we serve, providing them with invaluable opportunities and resources, and a platform to share their stories, visions, and inspirations with the world.
With your continued support in 2024, we aim to expand our reach, continue to present local and international artists, and further enrich our community through art.
Here are 3 ways you can help...
Donate so we can continue to present the great art & events you love.
Join the Culture Lab LIC Family by Becoming a Member!
Help us keep our doors open by becoming an Official Sponsor!
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We're Taking a Break...
After an amazing 2023, we're taking a break to rest, restore and reinvigorate ourselves so we'll be ready for an even more amazing 2024!
So, Culture Lab LIC will be closed for the rest of 2023, but will reopen February 1, 2024.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make 2023 such a wildly successful year for Culture Lab LIC!
Happy
New Year!
Open Call for Art:
Behind the Mask
The Art of Women Welders
Culture Lab LIC is excited to announce an open call for our upcoming art exhibition, “Behind the Mask.”
This exhibition showcases the art of women artists who weld and work in metal. It is a misconception that there are few women working in metal in the arts. Throughout our history there have been many now-famous women who have made great strides in metalwork including: Barbara Hepworth, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Louise Bourgeois, Deborah Butterfield, Alice Aycock , etc.
Artists whose art is primarily made from welded metal and some mixed medium should apply. We are looking for bold, original, high quality art works.
Submission Deadline:
11:59pm EST, February 7, 2024
Exhibition on view: March 7 - April 8, 2024
Opening reception: March 7, 6-9pm
Open Call for Art:
Year of the Dragon
An Asian Artist Exhibition
Submission Deadline: 11:59pm, January 15, 2024
On view: February 1- 25, 2024
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 1, 6-9pm
Culture Lab LIC is excited to announce an open call for our upcoming art exhibition, “Year of the Dragon.”
This exhibition will feature works by Asian Artists. Curated by Xiangdong Shi and in association with Chinese Overseas Artists Association. All mediums welcome.
Instrumental
A Retrospective on the Life & Work of Ken Butler
Curated by Tess Howsam
On view: February 1 - March 3 during gallery hours: Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm
Opening Reception: February 1, 6-9pm
We're kicking off our 2024 season right with our first exhibition of the year! Ken Butler is an artist and musician whose Hybrid musical instruments, collage artworks, performances and other works explore the interaction and transformation of common and uncommon objects, altered images, and diverse sounds as function and form collide in the intersection of art and music.
Join us Thursday, February 1, 6-9pm for our opening reception, including live music and savory bites! Be sure to stick with us throughout the month as Ken will have two live performances featuring "LIVE! at Culture Lab" favorites and special guests! As well as a chance to hear from the artist about his work!
Free admission.
Culture Lab LIC 5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City,
New York, NY 11101 (Map)
WE ARE QUEENSBRIDGE
A Portrait Series
Curated by Five Corners Collective
Featuring photos from Queensbridge Photo Collective
On View: February 1 - March 3 during gallery hours,
Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm.
Opening Reception February 1, 6-9pm
The Queensbridge Photo Collective is a group of female photographers, all over the age of 65, who live at the Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City, New York. The Queensbridge Houses is the nation's largest public-funded housing complex, home to over 7,000 residents from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
During the last four years, the QB Collective, working with teaching artists from Five Corners Collective, Inc. and support from the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement, has used photography to portray Queensbridge as a vibrant and resilient community - a community whose voice has value and should be heard.
Open Call for Art
Shattered
A Visual Journey Through the Mind
Submission Deadline: March 15, 11:59pm EST
Exhibition on view: May 2 - June 2
Opening reception: May 2, 6-9pm
Culture Lab LIC is excited to announce an open call for our upcoming art exhibition, “Shattered: A Visual Journey Through the Mind.”
Step into a realm where emotions are painted, thoughts are sculpted, and the canvas becomes a sanctuary for the mind...
Shattered is an exploration of the human experience, shedding light on the complexities of mental health through the lens of artistic expression. Each stroke of the brush, every carefully crafted sculpture, and the vibrant hues on display tell stories of resilience, vulnerability, and the triumph of the human spirit. This exhibition is not merely a collection of artworks; it's a visual journey through the labyrinth of the mind. As you navigate the gallery, you'll encounter pieces that challenge stigmas, celebrate victories, and offer a profound insight into the diverse spectrum of mental health experiences. Shattered is a collective effort to destigmatize mental health, fostering understanding and empathy. Join us in this immersive experience, where creativity becomes a powerful tool for connection, fostering a community that values and nurtures the well-being of every individual. Together, we illuminate the path toward compassion, breaking down barriers and fostering a world where mental health is not just understood but embraced with open hearts and open minds.
No History
A Solo Theater Piece
by Reynaldo Piniella
Culture Lab LIC Emergence Residency Artist
A coming of age story celebrating our shared history...
February 23 & 24, 7pm
Free Admission.
No History by Reynaldo Piniella is a solo theater piece about Arturo Schomburg, a man who crossed oceans in a quest to preserve our history. This diasporic journey will fill us up with cornbread before transporting us to the frontlines of the fight for Cuban and Puerto Rican independence, the streets of New York City during the Harlem Renaissance, and back to the kitchen where it all began. We will experience the music of the Caribbean, the joy of eating soul food for the first time, and the poetry of Harlem. And we'll rediscover San Juan Hill, the community that was uprooted to build Lincoln Center. With guest appearances from Billie Holiday, Langston Hughes and W. E. B. DuBois, this coming-of-age story will make us celebrate our shared history and inspire us to save our grandmother's recipes.
Meet the People
behind Culture Lab LIC...
Without our team, none of our programming would be possible. Catch a glimpse into the lives of the people who make up the Culture Lab team, and all of the beautiful qualities and characteristics they posses to "make art happen!"
And be sure to check out all the ways you can help make 2024 Culture Lab's best year ever!
Comedy Night at Culture Lab LIC...
Nice One! Comedy
Indoor Stand-up Comedy Show
The Final Show of 2023 was Thursday, December 14.
But comedy fans take heart... Nice One! Comedy will return with all new shows in 2024!
Watch this space for scheduling and line-up info!
Tess Howsam talks to the artists, performers & curators behind the events & exhibitions at Culture Lab LIC
View the full playlist on Culture Lab LIC's YouTube Channel
Our ART GALLERY is open Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-10pm. Keep your eye on our social media for updates on our upcoming theatre, dance and comedy performances!
As a member of Culture Lab LIC, you directly support dozens of arts, cultural and neighborhood organizations enjoyed by the entire community. As a Thank You for your awesomeness, each of our membership levels offer something for everyone: $2 off drinks, early viewings to monthly exhibitions, artists talks, Culture Lab LIC swag, and discounts to theater, dance, music concerts, and special events. We have an exciting 2022 season ahead of us and we cannot wait to share it with you!
Special thanks to the following organizations and
individuals for their continuing support:
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