This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to be part of something extraordinary – a movement that uplifts, empowers, and brings our community closer together!
At Culture Lab LIC, we believe in the transformative power of art and culture. But we can't do it alone.
Culture Lab LIC isn't just an arts organization. We're a hub for creativity, community, and connection.
Our programming touches thousands of lives each year through free and low-cost events, art exhibitions, live performances, and community initiatives that bring people together from all walks of life.
Every dollar you give helps us sustain and expand our cultural programming, ensuring that art is accessible to everyone in Long Island City and beyond. Whether it’s a local school participating in an art workshop, emerging artists finding a platform, or neighbors gathering for a performance under the stars – your contribution directly supports these experiences.
Culture Lab LIC's
Culture Lab LIC's premiere New Works Festival will showcase the year-long, original work of our four 2024 Emergence Artists in Residence!
Featuring four separate works by Danie Kohn, Helixx C. Armageddon, Yvonne Huatin Chow, and Gaby FeBland.
2024 Emergence Artist
Residency Program
Culture Lab LIC is excited to announce our 2024 Emergence Artist in Residence!
These diverse and exceptional performace based artists will be a part of Culture Lab LIC's New Works Festival coming this Fall!
Culture Lab LIC's Emergence Artist Residency is a developmental performing arts program geared toward the support and creation of new work. It offers artists & companies free rehearsal and performance space to develop and produce new performance based work.
Developed in 2021 by Culture Lab LIC Co-Founder and former Director of Performing Arts, Tana Sirois, works created at Culture Lab LIC will be showcased on one of Culture Lab's stages and presented and promoted as a part of the Culture Lab LIC’s Emergence Artist New Works Festival this November. Artists retain creative rights to the work created.
SOUNDS
FROM THE
GALLERY
Sounds From the Gallery is our free indoor concert series, featuring live music performed within the vibrant atmosphere of our gallery’s art exhibitions!
Click Here to see what's coming up!
PinProductions Presents
Famous Lake Park
Saturday, November 30, 7pm
Join us for a special event featuring the pilot episode of Famous Lake Park, a comedic, half-hour, puppet-filled journey through the agonizing death of the American dream. Enjoy a live talkback with the creators and get a chance to meet the puppet stars!
In this unique blend of puppetry and animation, follow Josh, a teenager working at the once-thriving, now-crumbling amusement park, Famous Lake Park. As the park's attractions decay and the eccentric owner, Bossman, struggles to stay afloat, Josh faces each day with a smile knowing that he is lucky enough to work in the best park in the world!
In an ode to American debauchery, his dark comedy is a microcosm of America, filled with humor, poignancy, and absurdity, reflecting the disillusionment of a generation that grew up in the 90s, hoping things would get better.
Don’t miss this whimsical yet biting look at the death of the American dream, complete with puppets, humor, and heart. See you there!
The production of Famous Lake Park is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
The production of Famous Lake Park is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Free Admission (Donations Appreciated)
Cast & Crew Voice Cast: Brittney Jenkins as Josh Jack Douglas as Kelly Joel Trinidad as Bruce Steven Fazzolari as Inspector Sandy José Ignacio Vivero as Leonardo Susannah Dalton as Andi Connor Brannigan as Beef Mateo Parodi as Bossman Puppeteers: Chris Palmieri Al Strong José Ignacio Vivero Creative Team: Written by Susannah Dalton and Braden Greenawalt Directed by Susan Lambert Hatem and José Ignacio Vivero Produced by Susannah Dalton, Braden Greenawalt, Susan Lambert Hatem, and José Ignacio Vivero
I'll Tell You What Freedom Is
Photobooks and Portraits from the Queensbridge Photo Collective
Curated by Five Corners Collective
On View: November 7 - December 15 during gallery hours: Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm.
The Queensbridge Photo collective is a group of photographers, all over the age of 65, who live at the Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City, New York. The Queensbridge Houses were opened in 1939 when Long Island City was still primarily an area of industry. Queensbridge is the nation's largest publicly-funded housing complex, it is home to over 7,000 residents from diverse incomes, backgrounds and cultures.
Entitled, I'll Tell You What freedom Is To Me, The QBPC is proud to present an exhibition of large scale portraits and handmade photobooks at The Culture Lab this November. During the last year, The QBPC, working with teaching artists from Five Corners Colllective, inc. book maker Maria Veronica San Martin and support from the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement, have created hand bound cloth covered accordion books containing photographs and text. These accordion books are tributes to family and to the community the collective are a part of. In addition to the photobooks, the collective will be displaying large scale photographic portraits they have made of each other on the walls of the gallery.
LIC-A presents
Off the Wall
The Affordable Art Fair
On View: November 7 - December 15 during gallery hours: Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm.
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 7, 6-9pm
Free Admission. All Ages.
LIC-A presents Off the Wall, the annual Holiday Art Fair-style exhibition where every piece is priced at $999 or below -perfect for holiday shoppers and new art collectors alike!
Featuring over 100 talented local artists, this diverse showcase includes paintings, drawings, 2D and 3D sculptures, photography, textiles, and more. We will also have a special collaboration with the LIC based BrickHouse Ceramic Center again for the 2024 edition of “Off the Wall”, showcasing work by many talented local ceramic artists.
Culture Lab After Dark presents
Nice One! Comedy
Thursday, December 12, 8-10pm
Enjoy New York City's funniest standup comics in the unique setting of our art gallery. Check out the art, enjoy live comedy!
Sponsored by QNSY SPARKLING COCKTAILS, providing a complimentary drink for every ticket so bring your friends!
NICE ONE! COMEDY, presented by Culture Lab After Dark, is a BOAST: Best of Astoria & LIC 2023 Award Winner for Best Standup Comedy Venue!
Special thanks to our sponsors: Plaxall Inc, TF Cornerstone, MetLife, IndieSpace, Con Edison, Volume Industries, Astound Broadband, Steve Madden, Cushman & Wakefield, HRA, M&T Bank, IPG, Wells Fargo Advisors, Cosmopolitan Houses, Gotham, TV Boy, Eventscape, Forrest Sound & Vision, Taylor Creative Inc
Reverse Bloom
J. Pavone String Ensemble Student Composition Workshop - In collaboration with Western Queens Piano and Strings
Sunday, December 1, 2 - 8pm
For the first-ever student composition workshop hosted by the J. Pavone String Ensemble, the students of Western Queens Piano and Strings will co-create original pieces of chamber music with the ensemble.
In addition to taking part in the creative process, the students will experience firsthand how a chamber music ensemble rehearses new material and have the opportunity to discuss musical concepts with the group.
The students will hear their newly constructed pieces performed in concert on a program with other repertoire from the ensemble's newly released album, Reverse Bloom.
Western Queens Piano is a music lesson business established by Jessica Pavone in 2017 to offer private music instruction in piano, violin, viola, music theory, and composition. This event aims to provide those who study music privately an opportunity to engage in a group musical activity, expanding the scope of their musical education. In the same year, Pavone also created the J. Pavone String Ensemble to present her original music compositions for string trio that experiment with indeterminate techniques that alternate between metered and time-based scores and improvisational and notated instructions. The scores often include time frames that direct musicians to move freely between sections, creating an overlap of sonic textures, and the ensemble approach focuses on a vision of collective improvisation that prioritizes a collaboratively woven fabric, in contrast to the traditional improvisatory method that prizes the showmanship of the soloist. The group has performed at the Suoni Per Il Popolo Festival (Montreal), Bang on a Can Long Play Festival (NYC), Logan Center for the Arts (Chicago), Dartmouth New Music Festival (Hannover), NYC Winter Jazzfest, Roulette and ISSUE Project Room (Brooklyn), Firehouse12 (New Haven), Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (Asheville), the Garner Arts Center (Garnerville, NY), and The Rotunda (Philadelphia). Four studio albums have been released to critical acclaim from The Wire, The New Yorker, Pitchfork, JazzTimes, and San Francisco Classical Voice. Brad Cohen of Jazz Times described Pavone as "a free-thinker who can't be pigeonholed."
Reverse Bloom is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. With additional support from a 2024 Queens Arts Fund (QAF) New Work Grant administered by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York Foundation for the Arts.
Truth & Magic
December 13 & 14, 7pm
A live concert experience centered on generating collective joy by blurring the lines between audiences and performers.
Produced by NYC’s “finest funky disco kids,” Gentleman Brawlers, this 90-minute interactive production will explore multisensory ways to recapture an intimate connection between artists and concertgoers, as well as transporting audiences to where music, dance, play, and nostalgia intertwine. Think: Fuerza Bruta energy + Meow Wolf visuals + American Utopia concert = TRUTH & MAGIC.
As a multi-sensory experience, Truth & Magic welcomes audiences of any age, background, or ability to join us. This production contains all sorts of fun surprises including elements you can taste, smell, see, touch, and hear, so please proceed with caution for any personal sensitivities. By purchasing this ticket you also consent to being filmed for promotional purposes.
Gentleman Brawlers is now proudly fiscally sponsored through The Field, and partnered with NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.
Synchronicity
by Adrien Marçais
On view during gallery hours: Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm. Part of LIC Arts Open. Free Admission.
"In my artistic exploration, I am captivated by the phenomenon of synchronicity, where seemingly unrelated events align in meaningful ways. Through my work, I aim to capture the delicate dance between chance and intention, weaving together elements of serendipity and design. Drawing inspiration from Jungian psychology and Eastern philosophy, I delve into the interconnectedness of all things, exploring the harmonious rhythms that underlie the fabric of existence. By intertwining disparate elements in my compositions, I invite viewers to contemplate the mysteries of synchronicity and the profound beauty found in the synchronistic moments of our lives." -Adrien Marçais
Culture Lab LIC's
Membership Drive
Help drive Culture Lab forward as we close out 2024 by becoming a Culture Lab Member during our Membership Drive!
Join the Movement & Become Family at Culture Lab LIC - a haven for artists and community members alike to enjoy the arts, cultural events, and community programs.
Our members contribute tremendously for our organization to be able to reach new heights!
We offer a variety of membership levels with many givebacks & perks - to thank you for your love & support!
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!
Looking Ahead to 2025!
And 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 the coming year, 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!
Best of the Boro!
We're proud to announce that Culture Lab LIC has been nominated by Bethpage Best of Boro again this year in the following categories:
Best Art Gallery
Best Concert Venue
Best Theater Arts Center
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 season ahead of us and we cannot wait to share it with you!