In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat: For the Culture Events

Now that In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat has wrapped, take a look back at our For the Culture events hosted by the NYTW Learning & Community Engagement team in collaboration with our presenting partners, community partners, and artists on stage. Through meaningful conversations and engaging activities, we had a blast connecting with so many communities in celebration of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s enduring legacy and the power of the downtown NYC arts scene.

For the Culture: In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat

AfterWords: Roger Guenveur Smith, Marc Anthony Thompson, & Michael Holman
Thursday, September 10 – Post-Show (following 7 PM performance)
New York Theatre Workshop

Join us immediately following the performance for an exclusive, intimate conversation featuring Roger Guenveur Smith and Michael Holman, two defining voices who knew Jean-Michel Basquiat during pivotal eras of his life.

 

In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat: A Downtown Journey
Sunday, September 13 – Pre-Show & Post-Show (2 PM performance)
Starts at New York Theatre Workshop

In partnership with Walk on The Wild Side Tours NYC, explore the downtown neighborhoods that shaped Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artistic journey. This guided walking tour examines the creative communities, cultural influences, and lasting legacy of one of New York City’s most influential artists.

 

AfterWords: Artistic Process of In Honor of Jean–Michel Basquiat
Wednesday, September 16 – Post-Show (following 7 PM performance)
New York Theatre Workshop

Engage directly with the creative team as they share insider stories from rehearsals, answer your burning questions, and explore the profound themes that make In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat a truly unforgettable experience.

Featuring: Aaron Malkin, moderator

 

Basquiat Night 
Thursday, September 17 – Post-Show (following 7 PM performance)
New York Theatre Workshop

From Boomers to Gen Z, come celebrate Basquiat’s timeless influence in a high energy gathering of artists and cultural workers. Blending music, storytelling, and connection, this multigenerational party features Marc Anthony Thompson as DJ spinning us across eras, turning the room into a living archive of sound, style, and shared legacy. Dress in your best 80’s clubbing fashion and we will see you on the dance floor!

 

ForeWords: Generational Arts 
Wednesday, September 23 – Pre-Show (before 7 PM performance)
Art on the Ave (98 E 4th St)

In partnership with Art on the Ave and the LISA Project, join us for a pre-show gathering that invites audiences into Basquiat’s world through conversation and reflection before the performance. Featuring artists, curators, and cultural thinkers, the program offers a brief but impactful framing of Basquiat’s legacy today.

 

Monologue Jam: Open Salon
Thursday, September 24 – Pre-Show (before 7 PM performance)
E 4th Street 

In partnership with FABnyc, as part of Open Arts LES, experience The East 4th Street Open Street as a living canvas where poets, singers, and actors gather to celebrate the immigrant and artistic voices in celebration of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work.

 

AfterWords: Roger Guenveur Smith, Marc Anthony Thompson, & BLACK BROADWAY MEN
Thursday, September 24 – Post-Show (following 7 PM performance)
New York Theatre Workshop

Join Anthony Wayne of BLACK BROADWAY MEN in conversation with Roger Guenveur Smith and Marc Anthony Thompson to honor their contributions to American theatre and entertainment over the years.

 

ShopTalk
Wednesday, September 30 – Post-Show (following 7 PM performance)
New York Theatre Workshop

Join us for an informal “book club” style discussion with fellow audience members, facilitated by an NYTW staff member.

Featuring: Psacoya Guinn & Dylin Taylor, moderators

 

In addition to our scheduled For the Culture events, many friends of Basquiat and Roger Guenveur Smith made special appearances throughout the show’s run, including Spike Lee, Fab 5 Freddy, and Michael Holman, which prompted special, impromptu talkbacks featuring these distinctive guests!

You can find more information about our community partners for In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat by reading more here.

 

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Categories: For The Culture. Tags: Education & Engagement, For The Culture, and In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat.