NYC Open Mic & Workshops at Lincoln Center
About this Event
This is the event we’ve been building toward all year and our biggest gathering yet. We’re creating space for underrepresented and overlooked NYC artists to share intimate, original work while building real creative relationships.
In addition to two workshops and an acoustic open mic, we’re including a dedicated Networking Hour (4:00–5:30 PM) so people can actually meet, exchange contacts, and talk collaborations without the usual forced energy. Most people arrive solo and leave connected.
Since the open mic is acoustic, please plan your performance without amplified instruments, backing tracks, or additional AV equipment.
The full afternoon includes:
• Workshop 1: Metaphors for Medicine (spoken word)
• Workshop 2: Letters to Incarcerated People (letter-writing + tarot + restorative conversation)
• Networking Hour: Creative Connections
• Acoustic Open Mic (limited slots)
Saturday, September 12, 2026
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center
Public and donation-based
Workshop 1: Metaphors for Medicine
Metaphors for Medicine is an interactive spoken word workshop about finding the words for what we feel. Through metaphor, imagery, and lived experience, we’ll explore how emotions can become poetry and how writing can help us connect, process, and see ourselves and each other differently.
Medicine helps the body heal. Why can’t words help us heal, too?
Workshop 2: Letters to Incarcerated People
Spend the afternoon creating, connecting, and being in community. Write letters to incarcerated people, join restorative conversations with your neighbors, experience live tarot readings, and meet artists, organizers, and dreamers from across NYC.
Who We Want to Feature
• Acoustic singers and musicians
• Monologues and short scenes
• Poetry, spoken word, and storytelling
• Dance and movement
• Comedy and musical theatre
• Original, self-contained live work
Solo performers, duos, and small ensembles may be considered.
Your Donation Builds the Room
This performance can only happen with community support.
Donations help cover sound future community events like production support, staffing, transportation, promotion, artist care, and the labor required to create a thoughtful performance experience.
Please contribute $5, $10, $20, $50, or any amount you can give when you RSVP.
Every donation helps independent artists perform inside a Lincoln Center cultural institution and helps The Art Meetup continue producing accessible creative opportunities across New York City.
No donation is required to attend. Those who contribute help keep the experience accessible to artists and audience members who may not be able to give.
Donate and support the event.
Experience the Room
This will feel more like an intimate theatre showcase than a traditional loud open mic.
Expect acoustic music, stripped-down vocals, monologues, poetry, storytelling, movement, dance, comedy, and original performances from emerging NYC artists.
This is a room for artists to be heard, audiences to be present, and new creative relationships to begin.
Performer Selection
Performance slots for September 12 are not guaranteed. Performers will be selected based on:
Fit for an acoustic open mic
Creativity and originality
Participation in the community
The energy you bring into the room
How you engage with and support other artists
Prior involvement with The Art Meetup
Creating a balanced mix of performances
We recommend bringing a sample of your music or performance to strengthen your signup.
Show up, participate, connect, and add your name to the performance pool that day.
The final setlist will be selected on the day of the event at the discretion of Lailani Gibson.
Whether or not you are selected to perform, the goal is for you to leave with new connections, new inspiration, and more people who have had the chance to experience your work.
RSVP and Support
Your presence fills the room. Your support makes this project possible.
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The Art Meetup exists to bring artists, musicians, performers, and creative people together offline in real life. Good energy, live performances, conversation, and community. RSVP while tickets are still available.
Agenda
Open Mic & Community Mixer
Info: Enjoy live performances from poets, musicians, singers, comedians, storytellers, and other creatives sharing original work, while also connecting with fellow artists and creative professionals, exchanging contact information, discussing collaborations, and building meaningful connections.
🕑: 01:00 PM
Doors Open, Check-In & Open Mic Sign-Up Pool
Info: Meet artists, performers, and creative professionals before the show. Open mic sign-up begins at 1:30 PM. Spots are extremely limited, with consideration given to artists who have been connected to and engaged with The Art Meetup community.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Workshop 1: Metaphors for Medicine
Info: Metaphors for Medicine is an interactive spoken word workshop about finding the words for what we feel. Through metaphor, imagery, and lived experience, we’ll explore how emotions can become poetry and how writing can help us connect, process, and see ourselves and each other differently.
Medicine helps the body heal. Why can’t words help us heal, too?
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Workshop 2: Letters to Incarcerated People
Info: Spend the afternoon creating, connecting, and being in community. Write letters to incarcerated people, join restorative conversations with your neighbors, experience live tarot readings, and meet artists, organizers, and dreamers from across NYC.
Featuring a Pr*son letter-writing workshop, open mic performances, community networking, live tarot readings, and space to connect. No pressure. Just bring yourself and an open mind.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Networking Hour: Creative Connections
Info: Dedicated time to meet fellow artists, exchange contacts, discuss collaborations, and build real relationships in a relaxed setting. No forced networking—just organic conversation over the shared energy of the afternoon. Perfect for performers, workshop participants, and anyone who came to connect.
🕑: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Open Mic
Info: Open mic sign-up begins at 1:30 PM and is in person only. Spots are extremely limited and signing up does not guarantee selection. Priority consideration is given to artists who are currently active in The Art Meetup community, as well as those who have previously attended, participated, or supported our events. Please note that the venue is not providing production or AV equipment, so all performances must be fully acoustic and require no amplification, playback, microphones, or additional production.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 10.00
