Create New York (CNY) a multi-year partnership program between TDF and community centers engages three separate groups of adults from community centers, one in each New York City borough, and uses theatre and dance as a way to promote change in oneself, one’s neighborhood, and, ultimately, one’s city.

Every group will complete a 3-year cycle with increasing autonomy every year. Each year, participants will democratically select performing arts events whose themes, aesthetics, or artists directly relate back to their shared interests and vision for their community. Over post-meal discussions the groups discuss their experience and its relevance.

Together we aspire to increase cultural participation in live performance through the development of community ambassadors and cultural architects who, by serving as leaders and influencers, will create sustainable audiences for dance and theatre throughout New York City.

At each year’s end, participants create a community-based project inspired by their cultural experiences that benefits their neighborhood at large.