juneteenth celebration at the alice austen house

JUNE 19, 2021
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK
4 ACTS
10 ARTISTS ENGAGED
35 PLYWOOD BOARDS RECYCLED TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR STAGE
PARTNERED WITH
NY POPSUP AND THE ALICE AUSTEN HOUSE

WORTHLESSSTUDIOS joined forces with the Alice Austen House and NY PopsUp to host a free celebration and pop-up concert on Juneteenth in Staten Island. The performances took place on an outdoor stage designed by Tony DiBernardo as part of the Plywood Protection Project. DiBernardo dreamt up this sculpture as a means to bring live performances back and provide work for performers again during COVID-19 lockdowns when venues were closed.

WORTHLESSSTUDIOS brought together a talented group of BIPOC and LGBTQ poets and musicians to perform—the first live performance back since COVID lockdowns for most of them. The performers included musical acts OJ in the Yams and Chanese Elifé as well as poets Pamela Sneed and Andriniki Mattis and was hosted by artist and Staten Island native Jahtiek Long. All artists were paid for their time and performances. The event was free and open to the public, celebrating the ongoing fight for freedom for Black people in the United States. The event was received well in the press and even was included in a list of recommended events in Vogue.