Immigrant Arts Coalition Presents Immigrant Arts & Women's Empowerment Summit

The Immigrant Arts Coalition, an advocacy support group comprised of New York City-based cultural organizations, will hold its second annual summit. Entitled the Francesca Cernia Slovin Immigrant Arts & Women's Empowerment Summit, this 4-day celebration of the contributions of those from abroad whose culture has contributed to the country's vibrant mosaic is hosted by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene and takes place from August 5th- 8th at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place in New York City. Leaders representing over 25 national backgrounds from across the globe will come together to participate in the summit.

"It is an honor to come together and celebrate the vibrant culture that has been built here in America by immigrants from across the globe, who came here fleeing adversity and injustice to create a brighter future," said Chris Massimine, Chair of the Immigrant Arts Coalition and Chief Executive Officer of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF). "We recognize the tremendous contributions immigrants have made to our country and our culture, and look forward to honoring this tremendous legacy at this year's summit."

Honoring diversity and empowerment through the arts, the program features panel discussions, talks, workshops, performances from distinguished artists and participants representing the tapestry of arts, community leaders and cultural organizations. The summit opens on Sunday, August 5thwith a concert at Robert F. Wagner Junior Park featuring Cosmopolis Collective, an all-immigrant band with award winning artists from seven countries.

"We, as musicians, dancers and artists, come together to show that traditions of immigrants have bolstered and generated the true beauty of American culture," said Sita Chay, Musical Director of Cosmopolis Collective and violinist of the Grammy-winning mariachi band Flor de Toloache.

The concert will open with the public premiere of IAC's anthem "Carry On," performed by recording artist and television personality Kimberley Locke. Written by songwriter Celina Levy, and produced by Mark Ethan Toporek, "Carry On" speaks to the American Immigration experience, and reflects the importance of the diversity that comprises the cultural fabric of the country.

"The current socio-political environment inspired this summit," said Marlena Fitzpatrick, President of the Immigrant Arts Coalition. "We are excited to come together to discuss the cultural and economic impact immigrant artists, women, and communities from all backgrounds have in the United States of America and Puerto Rico."

"The arts are an integral part of women's empowerment," said Lindsay Beyerstein, Host of The Breach podcast. "Through art we explore possible futures and analyze pressing social issues. Artistic expression is a form of self-assertion, a way of claiming space and finding power."

The Coalition began forming in July 2017, when a group of arts and cultural organizations held their first arts summit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage and was officially launched in February. Leaders of the Coalition announced an agenda focusing on key areas of the arts: Advocacy, Diversity Support, Collaboration, Empowerment Through the Arts, and Artistic Engagement. The Coalition's Board of Directors includes: Chair Christopher Massimine, National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene; Vice Chair Ayse Eldek, stage and screen actor and director; President Marlena Fitzpatrick, social and music journalist, musician and nationally recognized arts, labor and social justice activist; Secretary Carrie Beehan, artist at GOH Productions; Treasurer Giacinta Pace, actor, producer and journalist; and, Member at Large Laura Caparrotti, actor and Founding Artistic Director of the Kairos Italy Theater in New York and of In Scena! Italian Theater Festival in New York.You can learn more about the Coalition and its principles at www.immigrantarts.org.

For a full schedule and tickets, visit www.immigrantarts.org. Tickets are $25 to $45; $30 at the door; VIP tickets are available and include admission to the closing night event, "The United States of Comedy," at the exclusive Friars Club.