Community Partnerships
The Whitney's Community Partnerships are sustained, extended relationships that bring educators and artists into an organization for extended programming and promote the Museum as an essential resource.
Partner organizations
ADAPT Community Network, 2023
ADAPT Community Network
Partner since 2020
ADAPT Community Network is the leading human service not-for-profit and a pioneer in providing cutting edge programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to empower individuals through innovative solutions, one person at a time. Every day, we build a more inclusive world for thousands of New Yorkers through education, technology, health, residential and recreational programs in all five boroughs.
Performer from the AICH Social at the Whitney Museum of American Art on March 23, 2018. Photo by Filip Wolak
American Indian Community House
Partner since 2018
The mission of American Indian Community House (AICH) is to improve and promote the well-being of the American Indian community and to increase the visibility of American Indian cultures in an urban setting in order to cultivate awareness, understanding, and respect. AICH was founded in 1969 by Native American volunteers as a community-based organization, mandated to improve the status of Native Americans and to foster intercultural understanding. In 2018, the Whitney partnered with AICH to host its 2018 Spring Social and offers ongoing opportunities for community members to engage with the Museum.
Particpants from Hamilton-Madison House in the galleries with artist Aliza Nisenbaum. Photograph by Filip Wolak
Hamilton-Madison House
Partner since 2017
Hamilton-Madison House is a nonprofit settlement house dedicated to improving the quality of life for its community, which is primarily the Two Bridges/Chinatown area of Manhattan's Lower East Side. Since its establishment in 1898, Hamilton-Madison House has been a part of the settlement house movement in New York City that has pioneered the development and protection of humane policies and programs. The Whitney partners with Hamilton-Madison to provide a multi-session artmaking program for adults who are emerging language learners and currently enrolled in ESOL classes.
Audience members at ALTERNATE ENDINGS, RADICAL BEGINNINGS screening, the 28th annual iteration of Visual AIDS’ Day With(out) Art project, December 1, 2017. Photo by Filip Wolak
Visual Aids
Partner since 2016
Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS is the only contemporary arts organization fully committed to raising AIDS awareness and creating dialogue around HIV issues today, by producing and presenting visual art projects, exhibitions, public forums and publications–while assisting artists living with HIV/AIDS. We are committed to preserving and honoring the work of artists with HIV/AIDS and the artistic contributions of the AIDS movement. We embrace diversity and difference in our staff, leadership, artists and audiences. The Whitney partners with Visual AIDS on programs such as Day With(out) Art and Last Address Tribute Walk, and offers ongoing opportunities for artist members to engage with the Museum.
Casita Maria, 2023
Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education
Partner since 2020
For almost 90 years, Casita Maria's educational and creative arts programs have opened doors of joy and opportunity for the youth, families, and communities we serve. Their mission is to create a safe and welcoming community, enriching and uplifting youth and families toward shared cultural, art, and educational experiences and programs. Casita Maria is guided by their vision of a dynamic and thriving community, celebrating arts and culture as integral to its vitality and success.
As the first and oldest Latino-serving charity in New York City, Casita Maria channels the artistic legacy and cultural achievements of the South Bronx and East Harlem to educate and inspire the youth, families, and community members who have made their homes there.
Youth from the Door perform at their summer showcase in the Susan and John Hess Family Theater. Photograph by Andrew Kist
The Door
Partner since 2015
The Door's mission is to empower young people to reach their potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment. The Whitney develops collaborative programs that give participants the opportunity to learn, create, perform, and explore the Museum, making connections between their experiences and the Whitney’s art and artists. Our Art As A Second Language program engages out of status immigrant youth at The Door in a supportive bilingual art education environment.
Painting project at Hudson Guild. Photograph by Patrick MacLeod
Hudson Guild
Partner since 2011
Hudson Guild is a multi-service community agency serving those who live, work, or go to school in Chelsea, with a focus on those in need. Their mission is to create and sustain a strong, effective community that acknowledges and responds to the potential, achievements and interdependence of its diverse members. The Whitney provides ongoing art education opportunities, from free guided gallery tours for summer camp groups, to multi-week art making courses for adults and seniors.
Westbeth, 2014. Photograph by Filip Wolak
Westbeth
Partner since 2011
Opened in 1970 through funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the J.M. Kaplan Foundation, Westbeth Artists’ Housing provides affordable living and working spaces for artists and their families. Programs with the Whitney have included a performance and installation by Yorgos Sapountzis involving residents of Westbeth and teens from the Whitney’s Youth Insights program, among others, in conjunction with the opening of Common Spaces, an exhibition curated by the Whitney’s Independent Study Program.
Artistic Noise
Artistic Noise
PARTNER SINCE 2022
Artistic Noise is a Harlem-based nonprofit consisting of artists, educators, activists, licensed art therapists, and many gifted young people. For over 20 years, they have connected the power of artistic practice with thousands of young people who are incarcerated, on probation, in foster care, unhoused, or otherwise impacted by the juvenile court system.
Afterschool program at Fulton Houses, 2014. Photograph by Filip Wolak
Fulton Youth of the Future
Partner since 2014
The Robert S. Fulton Houses have provided affordable housing for low-income families and individuals in the Chelsea neighborhood since 1965. The Whitney partners with Fulton Youth of the Future, a grassroots organization that encourages kids to succeed in school and in the job market to reduce reliance on public assistance. Whitney workshops give youth the opportunity to learn about American art and artists and express themselves through hands-on art making in a range of media.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
Partner since 2010
Established in 1983 as a result of the AIDS crisis, New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has grown and evolved over the last four decades, creating and delivering services that empower people to lead healthy, successful lives. We currently operate in-person and virtually, providing recovery and wellness programs, economic advancement initiatives, family and youth support, advocacy, arts and cultural events, and space for community organizing and connection. For more information, please visit gaycenter.org.
Loisaida, Inc. Center, 2023
Loisaida, Inc. Center
Partner since 2020
Loisaida, Inc. Center offers accessible arts & cultural programs and initiatives at the intersection of media, technology, and social and environmental justice. The Loisaida Inc. Center provides space, mentorship, resources, and opportunities to emerging community leaders, artists, and creators working in diverse disciplines through its multi-purpose space. It promotes a vibrant social and community life and serves as an incubator for self-sustainable initiatives. Loisaida Inc.'s approach celebrates the urban surroundings, grassroots invention, and immigrant spirit of the Loisaida neighborhood in its dedication to highlighting their cultural vitality and contributions to NYC.
People’s Theatre Project, 2023
People’s Theatre Project
Partner since 2020
Rooted in Washington Heights and Inwood, People’s Theatre Project (PTP) makes theatre with and for immigrant communities to build a more just and equitable world. Now in its 14th anniversary season, PTP is Manhattan’s largest performing arts organization north of Harlem. Through ensemble-based, multilingual and multigenerational programming, PTP’s unique brand of theatre is a powerful artistic platform for immigrants and members of the Latine, Black, and Queer communities.
Senior community partners
We partner with community-based senior organizations to create customized programs that challenge seniors to actively engage with the Whitney’s collection and exhibitions, share ideas, and relate what they learn to their own lives and experiences.
Participating Senior Partners
We partner with community-based senior organizations to create customized programs that challenge seniors to actively engage with the Whitney’s collection and exhibitions, share ideas, and relate what they learn to their own lives and experiences.
Programs at your center
Interactive slide-based lectures at senior centers and homes provide a special preview of upcoming exhibitions and a comprehensive learning experience around an array of Whitney-related topics. The Whitney’s Senior Studio Art Programs offer an accessible, collaborative environment in which seniors share in a hands-on process of creative expression.
Programs for homebound populations
Extending the Whitney resources to homebound seniors, the Museum’s Teleconference Courses are offered twice a year through the Meals on Wheels programs of our community partners.