The entrance of the Hunters Point Public Library in Queens. Photos courtesy
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) and Photoville unveiled a striking new public art installation featuring the stories of immigrant New Yorkers at the Hunters Point branch of the Queens Public Library. The installation is part of NYIC’s second annual New York Proud campaign, a public art initiative that transforms subway stations, bus shelters and plazas to showcase the real people at the center of America’s immigration debate.
“New York Proud is a vital reminder of the role immigrants have played—and continue to play—in shaping all aspects of Queens and New York City,” said Murad Awawdeh, President & CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition. “By transforming public spaces with this installation, we hope to illuminate what the national debate has too often erased: that immigrants are integral to our communities. They are our neighbors, our friends. At a time when immigrant rights are increasingly under threat, it’s more important than ever to celebrate and uplift immigrant voices.”
This campaign brings to life the personal stories of immigrant New Yorkers through a striking series of portraits by Venezuelan documentary photographer Oscar B. Castillo, which are now displayed in subway stations, bus stops, and public art exhibits across New York City through the fall months. The exhibits, created in partnership with Photoville, feature these portraits in high-visibility public spaces across all five boroughs, including:
-
Queens: Queens Public Library at Hunters Point – Sep. 26 – October 27
-
Manhattan: Flatiron South Plaza (Broadway between 22nd and 23rd Streets) – Aug. 26 – Oct. 8
-
Brooklyn: The Plaza at 300 Ashland – Oct. 2 – Nov. 6
-
Bronx: Van Cortlandt Park Track (5970 Broadway) – Oct. 16 – Nov. 17
-
Staten Island: St. George Ferry Terminal – Ongoing
The portraits highlight the life of immigrants in New York City. Photo courtesyint
Featured campaign participants include Dr. Barbara Dilos, Director of Anesthesiology at NYC Health + Hospitals Elmhurst, and Maxi Lau, founder and chef at Maxi’s Dumplings in Flushing, Queens. While both work in Queens and are testaments to the vital role immigrants play in making New York City a healthy and vibrant place to live.
“In this second year of New York Proud, we wanted to deepen the sense of connection and community that was forged last year,” said photographer Oscar B. Castillo. “Public art has the power to open doors, foster inclusion, and build bridges across differences. Through these portraits, I wanted to honor the perseverance, dedication, and resilience that define New York’s immigrant communities. This work is a celebration of diversity and of the voices that create the rich fabric of New York.”
To learn more about New York Proud, visit www.immigrantsareny.org.
###
About the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC):
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy & advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York. The NYIC serves one of the largest and most diverse newcomer populations in the United States. The multi-racial and multi-sector NYIC membership base includes grassroots and nonprofit community organizations, religious and academic institutions, labor unions, as well as legal and socioeconomic justice organizations. The NYIC not only establishes a forum for immigrant groups to voice their concerns but also provides a platform for collective action to drive positive social change. Since its founding in 1987, the NYIC has evolved into a powerful voice of advocacy by spearheading innovative policies, promoting and protecting the rights of immigrant communities, improving newcomer access to services, developing leadership and capacity, expanding civic participation, and mobilizing member groups to respond to the fluctuating needs of immigrant communities.
