Community Arts | Goddard Riverside

A unique point of access for community-driven expression, healing, & togetherness!

Two young children standing on a stage with lights with rows of chairs filled with people in front of the stage.

A grand piano with rows of chairs facing the piano.

Goddard Riverside’s Community Arts program provides opportunities for people of all ages to experience and participate in the arts. Our shared multi-use spaces serve as a creative resource hub for the Upper West Side community to share, learn, heal, explore, innovate, and excel. We are committed to countering adversity with joy and strive to meet the needs of those of us currently experiencing financial hardship and members of historically marginalized groups.

Community Arts events take place at the Bernie Wohl Center, at Columbus Avenue between W 91st and 92nd Street.

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Community Arts is proud to be supported by:

New York State of Opportunity Council on the Arts

Events

In tandem with our community partners and artists-in-residence, our seasons present inclusive & inter-disciplinary arts events focused on the diversification, betterment, and enrichment of our local community. We invite you to join us for :

performances, classes, and workshops that stimulate your creativity
community initiatives where you can get connected with resources
seasonal celebrations and festivities for the whole family
informative, interactive panels and screenings
social gatherings: open mics, poetry slams, dances, etc.

In addition, we offer under-market affordable rates for hosting:

Meetings, Classes & Workshops
Rehearsals: Music, Dance, Theater, etc.
Co-Working & Social Entrepreneurship
Lectures, Panels, Screenings, Seminars, etc.
Exhibitions & Fairs
Performances & Concerts
Special Events and more!

To book an event, please complete our Booking Request Form to introduce yourself. The Bernie Wohl Center cannot host personal/private events such as weddings, birthday parties, etc., or events affiliated with religious institutions.

Accessibility Notice

Please note that the 8 steps to enter the auditorium are steep, but the stairwell has a railing. The auditorium is not fully wheelchair accessible, as entry requires the use of an automatic chairlift which a person must be able to transfer themselves into or come with a trusted friend/carer who is capable of physically lifting in/out of the chair. Please notify us in advance if you are aware of attendees who may require special accommodations.

Videos

As 2023-2024 Artists in Residence at Goddard Riverside’s Community Arts Program, Good Light Productions conducted the Real Life Writers Poetry Project (RLWPP), a multi-session spoken word poetry workshop for young adults addressing Goddard’s program values to inspire and heal. Crafted through a social justice lens, RLWPP is a series of poetry writing projects designed for participants to learn the craft, styles, and methods of creating award-winning spoken word by professional spoken word artists. RLWPP purposefully sets out to de-center the notion that poetry is an elite, inaccessible, art form and inspires participants to develop and perform poetry reflecting their ideas, thoughts, and lived experiences. The culminating performances covered difficult and important topics such as breast cancer, fatphobia, gun violence, economic injustice and misogyny.

“When I reflect on 2023/2024 in the coming years, I will fondly recall how a small group of us decided together to create more beauty in the world by telling stories that needed to be told.” – Season Artist in Residence Carolyn Harrison “I am forever moved by the lives we’ve been able to touch with this project.” – Lyrical Faith

Community Arts Program Office

communityarts@goddard.org

212-799-9400 ext 4405

Goddard Riverside’s Bernie Wohl Center

647 Columbus Avenue

New York, NY 10025