Community
Little Island is a space where people of all ages and backgrounds are invited to explore and imagine, find respite and get inspired. Our programs and partnerships are designed to engage, educate and employ local New Yorkers in service to providing the public with art, nature and community. We also partner with neighborhood schools and organizations, provide job opportunities for young people, and provide access to performances and events.
We are inclusive to visitors of all abilities in our park and programming. Learn more about our accessibility offerings here.
Creative Breaks
Led by Teaching Artists and community partners, Creative Breaks range from arts and craft activities to music and dance classes, storytelling sessions, and more. Creative Breaks take place around our Art Cart, so find our mobile artmaking hub in the park and come play with us! Previous Creative Break partners have included Ailey Moves NYC, Greenwich House Music School, The Free Black Women’s Library, The Center for Fiction and Oye Group.
Teen Night
On Friday nights in the summer, Little Island’s Teen Night offers a safe and brave space for young people ages 16–24 to have fun, learn, perform and engage with art, nature and community. Young people are invited to join us for this weekly series of art workshops, panel discussions, open rehearsals and performances in The Glade. Produced in partnership with The Door. Friends, family and allies are welcome.
Community Ticketing
Through our Community Ticketing Program, we partner with local organizations to distribute free performance tickets to organizations and families throughout NYC, ensuring that a broad diversity of New Yorkers have access to Little Island’s ticketed events. In our first two years, we distributed over 43,000 free tickets. Current Community Ticketing partners include the Department of Youth and Community Development, Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club and the Fulton Houses.
Creative Community Partnerships
In collaboration with local community organizations, Little Island spotlights the work of older adult artists in the neighborhood through performances, workshops and activations in the park. Participants in these partnerships worked with our inaugural Little Island Artists-in-Residence on public programs, creating and sharing their art with park visitors. Creative Community Partnerships has served local neighborhood artists from Hudson Guild, Greenwich House Music School and the Westbeth Artists Residents Council.
Plan Your Group Visit
We welcome groups to engage with Little Island as an outdoor classroom and unique field trip venue, where students have the opportunity to learn outside of the traditional school setting. Group visits to Little Island are self-guided, and your group is welcome at any time! To ensure our park staff is aware of your visit, please complete this form prior to your field trip.
Activities and Resources
The following resources can help enrich and enhance your group’s experience:
Nature: Discover the Island, Explore the Landscape
Community: History Audio Tour, Pier History
Art: In the summer season, Little Island has scheduled performances, Creative Breaks and other events.
Click here to sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know when we announce our 2024 season.
Our relationship with the City University of New York (CUNY), provides college students and recent graduates professional development and pathways to employment through paid opportunities with Little Island.
New York City students gain exposure to the workings of a dynamic public space while supporting administrative and programmatic projects during a summer placement. In addition to gaining hands-on work experience, members of our Workforce Development programs also receive workshops and professional development in Communications, Financial Capability, Leadership, Public Art and Public Space.
Fellowship Program
Designed for college students and recent graduates 21 or older, summer Fellows are assigned to a specific department of Little Island that aligns with their career goals, providing direct support to their team while receiving sustained mentorship from staff. For 2023, Fellowships were available in Education Programs, Communications, Park Administration and Social Impact.
Usher Corps Program
Designed for college students age 18-26, our Usher Corps Program provides summer jobs for college students looking to build their hospitality skills and explore careers in the performing arts, welcoming audiences into our performance spaces and assisting production operations as needed. This opportunity gives our participants invaluable work skills as they learn and grow alongside a peer support network.
Alumni
Workforce development alumni maintain a strong connection with Little Island. Staying informed through our quarterly alumni newsletter, they receive prioritized candidacy for work opportunities and often return to assist in the recruitment and training of the next group of ushers and fellows. Additionally, alumni enjoy exclusive invitations to networking and professional development events.
Current CUNY students and recent alumni should click here for current opportunities.