High Line Presents BYO, A New Series Of Unscripted Conversations Around Communal Meals

The High Line announces B.Y.O. (Bring Your Own), a new series of intimate, unscripted conversations in public space. For the inaugural year, four artists whose practice centers on food and dialogue have been invited to engage members of the public and of the local arts scene in meaningful conversations on the High Line. These artists include Mckendree Key, Heather Hart and Jina Valentine, and Elia Alba.

"This program amplifies the High Line's commitment to create meaningful social and cultural connections for its audiences," said Solana Chehtman, Associate Director of Public Engagement. "What does a conversation series look like in public space? We are partnering with artists to invite other artists, cultural leaders, thinkers, neighbors and overall members of the public to gather around a family style meal, and encourage them to exchange ideas and have critical conversations that others can witness and find value in."

Each B.Y.O. event will be centered around a communal meal-either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. All events will take place on the High Line at 22nd Street, on the lawn. Members of the public are encouraged to participate as either table guests (The Breakfast Den and Black Lunch Table) or audience members (The Breakfast Den and The Supper Club). Participants need no previous experience or knowledge to participate. Food will be provided, participation is free, but advanced RSVPs are encouraged both for table guests and audience members.

All conversations will be recorded and transcribed, and ultimately published, creating an important archival document of the contemporary voices around these important issues.

The Breakfast Den by McKendree Key

June 27, 8 - 10am

July 25, 8 - 10am

August 29, 8 - 10am

McKendree Key will bring her project The Breakfast Den to the High Line. The Breakfast Den was first presented in the artist's backyard in Brooklyn, NY where she advertised the conversations with a small sign posted outside her apartment building. By presenting The Breakfast Den on the High Line, the artist has an even larger platform for reflection and dialogue around the topics of aging, utensils, and masks.

Black Lunch Table by Jina Valentine and Heather Hart

July 11, 12 - 2pm, Artists' Table

July 11, 2:30 - 4:30pm, People's Table

July 9, 5 - 8pm, Wikipedia Edit-a-thon

Black Lunch Table was initiated in 2005. With Black Lunch Table, Jina Valentine and Heather Hart will open a dialogue between artists and cultural workers who identify as part of the African Diaspora, and members of the communities surrounding the High Line. By creating a space to discuss critical issues around representation, equity, gentrification and displacement, they are validating shared concerns through exchange, while strengthening the bonds within various communities. They will hold two lunchtime sessions-one titled Artists Table and the other titled People's Table.

The Supper Club by Elia Alba

June 12, 7 - 10pm

August 7, 7 - 10pm

The Supper Club is an ongoing art project by Elia Alba that fosters discussions about race and visual culture over dinner. The project aims to weigh in on the historical significance of the current moment and the enduring power of food, art, and conversation in our everyday lives. Since its inception in 2012, the dinners have welcomed over 400 participants. The presentation of The Supper Club on the High Line will be the first time the dinners are open to the public. The artist will also invite artists and cultural leaders of African American, Latin American, South Asian, and Caribbean descent.

All activities are free and open to the public.

To RSVP for B.Y.O., or for more information about the participating artists and a full calendar of events, please visit thehighline.org/activities.

As a nonprofit organization, we oversee the public programming, public art, maintenance, and operations for the High Line in New York City. We raise nearly 100% of the High Line's annual budget.

The High Line was founded by neighborhood residents in 1999 to prevent the elevated rail track on Manhattan's west side from being demolished. Working closely with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the High Line has transformed into a public space where every New Yorker and visitor is welcome and can experience the intersection of nature, art, and design. The High Line also facilitates a national learning community for leaders of similar projects.

For more information, visit thehighline.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.