One of the many great reasons to spend money living in overpriced cities stems from my love of the arts. There is always something going on at the theater, in museums, and even just on the street for everyone to enjoy. In New York this season, there are so many arenas where you can tap into an artistic space and see yourself in the creative expressions of others.
First things first: The newly renovated Studio Museum is a 21st-century marvel and the new crown jewel of 125th Street and Harlem more broadly. The vision of Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, has given the community, New York City residents, and the rest of the world a new home to appreciate the brilliance of Black artists in a stunning new building.
Every December, I always make time to see Alvin Ailey (at least twice) at City Center during the month. The Ailey season extends to January 4. Every year, there are new works — amazing new pieces with music that taps into the soul and/or our childhoods, and sheer elegance, strength, and creativity on full display. I always say that the Christmas season does not begin until I see the Ailey troupe and their signature closing performance “Revelations.” Each night is a different combination of classics along with newer pieces, so check the calendar to see which date moves you.
I just recently went to the Brooklyn Museum to see “Seydou Keita: A Tactile Lens,” which was a positively breathtaking display of black-and-white photographs from mid-20th-century Mali. Words cannot describe these photographs. I will just say you are doing yourself a disservice if you miss this show, which is at the museum until May 2026.
I have also already purchased my tickets for two plays in the spring. The first is “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” This August Wilson classic is being directed by the legendary Debbie Allen, stars Taraji Henson and Cedric the Entertainer, and opens March 30. I am so sure those two will electrify the stage on so many levels. I am also looking forward to “Proof” with Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri (from the hit show The Bear), opening March 31.
I love seeing shows on Broadway with Black leads. I think it is important to support these productions, and the actors, so theater producers and funders know there is an audience and a desire to see these actors and productions on the big stage.
However you choose to spend your winter season, it is my hope you will make a little time for art and the arts. There is so much Black brilliance surrounding us — we must absorb it and support it.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of the books “How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams” and “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.