In 2022, 4.5 million, or almost a quarter of New York residents, were designated “immigrants” by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service. New York is a state undergoing tremendous demographic changes and New York’s museums are responding by providing support and resources to New Americans as they settle into their new communities. These programs can cover a wide range of areas including language acquisition, job placement, legal assistance, and offering life skills through the arts. In partnership with the Queens Library, the Queens Museum’s New New Yorkers program led by Guido Garaycochea offers free multilingual classes to support the needs of adult immigrant communities in Queens. At the Whitney Museum of American Art, Dyeemah Simmons is focused on collaborating with artists to develop spaces for marginalized communities to create, commune, and gain access to critical resources. Margarita Espada is the Founder and Executive Director of Teatro Yerbabruja, an art organization with the mission to use the arts as a tool for social change. Teatro Yerbabruja’s programs are anchored in the values of racial justice that honor the contributions of people of color, and that are truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive. 

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The statements and opinions expressed by panelists, hosts, attendees, or other participants of this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of, nor are endorsed by, the American Alliance of Museums.