NYC City Hall has created an ad hoc task force of City Officials, including the Cultural Affairs, Immigrant Affairs, Parks, and the Deputy Mayor’s Office, to HELP Portrait of America Launch Dream in New York City.
Dream, the latest exhibition in POA’s interactive public art series, will have a major presence throughout the boroughs, acting as a platform for public discussion about America’s history as a nation of immigrants, and celebrating the achievements of those who have made their Americans Dreams come true.
Dream will extend the Bloomberg administration’s mission of integrating immigrant New Yorkers into the civic, economic, and cultural life of the City. It will also draw attention to the tremendous strides this administration has made in developing and beautifying the City’s open spaces, turning many derelict spaces into world class venues for culture, recreation, and family enjoyment.
The Search for A Corporate Sponsor
To make this project possible, Portrait of America must find a major corporation to sponsor Dream. The ideal sponsor is one who shares Dream’s mission: that through enterprise, positive attitude and determination, it is possibe to define one’s future and live one’s dream. Portrait of America is offering one corporation the opportunity to “own” this project. Dream‘s sponsor will get their money’s worth if publicity and good will is what they’re looking for. This project will be seen by millions of New Yorkers and tourists throughout summer 2013, providing major brand exposure to one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Click here to Watch the Video
CLICK HERE IF YOU CAN CONNECT US TO A SPONSOR
The American Dream Through The Eyes of Recent Immigrants
Dream will reach all 5 boroughs, connecting with millions, engaging New Yorkers and tourists alike in a conversation about the American Dream today. Portrait of America and The City will ask Community Centers throughout the boroughs to nominate individuals who best embody the spirit of the American Dream. Portrait of America will photograph the finalists and invite them to share the stories of their journey in pursuit of their dream with the public in our interactive portrait exhibition. Through Dream’s interactive process, Portrait of America hopes to help integrate New York’s recent immigrants into a citywide conversation on the enduring American spirit, and highlight their voice and their contributions to the vibrancy of NYC’s culture and economy.
Dream is slated to launch on April 17, 2013 in commemoration of the day the largest number of immigrants arrived at Ellis Island to begin their new lives in America.
The exhibition will include:
Captivating Artwork, Reaching All 5 NYC Boroughs
POA is striving to create a design, which will make it possible for us to tour the Portraits through select parks in each borough, therefore making Dream accessible to all of New York, and bringing its message of inclusion, encouragement and common humanity with it.
In addition to the collections of intimate portraits, Portrait of America will work with New York Public Libraries and The Museum of the City of New York (under negotiation) to offer on-site information and images that add historical perspective. The exhibitions will inform the public about the different waves of immigrants that have added vibrancy to NYC neighborhoods over time, and offer a reading list that includes writings about the American Dream, taking advantage of the resources within NYPL’s rich catalog.
Educational Programming
Portrait of America is developing an alternative learning program for youth 14-18, as an extension of the citywide exhibition. The curriculum uses photography as a tool to engage youth in self-discovery and empowerment. The program will culminate with a student exhibition in one of NYC’s premiere arts institutions.
Community Events
Throughout the run of the exhibition, Portrait of America and its partners will organize free public events to bring diverse communities together to have fun while learning about the city’s rich tapestry of cultures.
Social Networking
Portrait of America will develop interactive content to build a community online, so that everyone can participate in Dream, regardless of where they live. This may take shape in contests, polling, photo and video galleries. The goal is to unite Americans from diverse backgrounds and ethnicity in discussion about identity, self-empowerment, and in a celebration of the American Dream. We will use our online presence to build a buzz leading up to the opening of the NYC project, and ultimately for our national effort: bringing Portrait projects to cities across America, and one day, the globe! (hey, you never know!)
