Lincoln Center Launches New Outdoor Venue Initiative

New York's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts will create ten outdoor performance and rehearsal spaces, an outdoor performing arts center, and other outdoor venues in order to help restart the city's performing arts sector

Entitled "Restart Stages," the new project will launch on April 7, with a special performance for healthcare workers.

Examples of the venues include a cabaret-style stage on Hearst Plaza, family and kids areas with artistic activities, venues for rehearsals, and spaces for public school graduations. An outdoor reading room will also be built, created in partnership with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Designed with the pandemic in mind, medical and public health professionals were consulted so as to create safe and accessible spaces.

Programming will feature the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s annual Summer Evenings concerts, Film at Lincoln Center film screenings, a concert and cabaret series by Lincoln Center Theater, and dance workshops from the New York City Ballet.

“The cultural community has an urgent role to play in the revitalization of New York, to showcase that our city is not just back economically, but spiritually and socially," said Henry Timms, President & CEO of Lincoln Center, in a statement. "Which is why we knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that as the city reopened it was our absolute obligation and privilege to be first in line to support our constituents, New Yorkers, and the cultural community. “We are building this outdoor campus to be ready, so that when the time comes, we do not miss a single day. We will fling our metaphorical doors wide open on day one in celebration of New York and the resolute, remarkable people who make it the best city on earth.”