From June to October 2024, the Queens College School of Arts partnered with NYC Parks to present free, dynamic arts programming across public parks in Queens. Parks in the Rockaways, Forest Park, Highland Park, Southeast Queens, District 7A, and Flushing Meadows Corona Park were transformed into vibrant community hubs with performances and workshops in music, dance, and visual arts. Led by both emerging and professional artists from Queens College, the initiative celebrated the borough’s cultural diversity while providing meaningful opportunities for students and recent graduates to engage with the public through the arts.

To showcase the range and impact of this program, our video project followed open-air drawing classes, documented live performances across different neighborhoods, and included interviews with artists and community members. These moments capture the spirit of connection, creativity, and joy that defined the season. Through their voices and stories, we see why these programs matter—and how art can bring a community together.