Juneteenth Celebrations Kick-off Outdoor Arts Event Series

Con Edison’s Arts Al Fresco, an extraordinary series of free outdoor arts experiences held across the five boroughs and Westchester County, is back for 2022 by popular demand. Arts Al Fresco entertained, and delighted tens of thousands of New Yorkers and this year’s events are bigger and better than ever!

“With the diverse neighborhoods, communities and parks of New York as its stage, Con Edison’s Arts Al Fresco series is pleased to support an eclectic array of arts and cultural experiences for all to enjoy,” said Frances A. Resheske, Con Edison's senior vice president, Corporate Affairs. “Con Edison is a long-standing supporter of the arts, and Arts Al Fresco is another way we can help share and broaden appreciation for the arts again this summer.”

Featured events for this weekend include Juneteenth In Queens, Juneteenth: A Celebration of Black History & Culture at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden in Staten Island and BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn’s Juneteenth UnityFest 2022 on Sunday, June 19.

For additional information about events, dates and times around New York City and Westchester County check the Arts Al Fresco page on the Con Edison website.

In 2021, Con Edison a longstanding partner of the arts community developed the Arts Al Fresco series in response to the impact of the pandemic. The series provided over $1 million to more than 50 nonprofit partners that produced more than 800 performances, events, and exhibits, featuring more than 2,600 talented and diverse artists across the five boroughs and Westchester County.

“The level of diversity, quality and vibrancy of outdoor programming that New Yorkers will enjoy this summer would simply not be possible without Con Edison's Arts Al Fresco program,” said Taryn Sacramone Executive Director, Queens Theatre. “We are honored to be a partner, and know that our audiences – from Corona, Queens and beyond - will enjoy the performances and events we have planned.”

“Casita Maria's South Bronx Culture Festival is a joyous celebration of the best of South Bronx art and culture,” said Haydee Morales, Executive Director, Casita Maria. “This year, Con Edison's Arts Al Fresco provided crucial support, as we brought together all-star Salsa performers, including Eddie Montalvo and his Orquestra, Legacy Women, Brenda K. Starr, and Casita Maria's BronX BandA featuring Arturo O'Farrill, to the thrill and enjoyment to thousands of attendees at Father Gigante Plaza during a three-day showcase, with a myriad of other events, still to come, throughout Summer 2022!”

"Snug Harbor is extremely grateful for Con Edison's dedication and leadership to ensure live performing arts have a robust recovery on Staten Island this summer,” said Jessica Vodoor, President and CEO, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. “Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is deeply appreciative of receiving support for a second year through the Arts Al Fresco program – it is absolutely critical assistance that ensures access to vibrant, free programming that centers the incredible talent and diversity of our North Shore community. Come join us and enjoy the arts outdoors!"

“Last summer, as New Yorkers were emerging from the pandemic lockdown, Con Edison lit up the city with the arts. It was such a success that they’ve renewed the fun for 2022!” said James Roe, President and Executive Director, Orchestra of St. Luke’s. “Orchestra of St. Luke’s is known as New York City’s hometown band, and Con Edison has been a stalwart partner of Orchestra of St. Luke's in since 1976. Music has the power to connect people and through the "Arts Al Fresco" series, Con Edison is providing that power to New York City!”

Arts Al Fresco seeks to promote equitable access to outdoor arts experiences in neighborhoods and communities.

Look for events including: the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) Uptown Arts Stroll, the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, Orchestra of St. Luke’s Summer Serenades series, City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage, ArtsWestchester’s Westchester Roots events, and many more.

Con Edison Arts Al Fresco partners include:

651 Arts
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
ArtsWestchester
Ballet Hispánico
BAM
Battery Conservancy
BRIC
Brooklyn Arts Exchange
Brooklyn Museum
Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education
Children's Museum of the Arts
City Parks Foundation
Classical Theatre of Harlem
Community Works/New Heritage Theatre Group
Design Trust for Public Space
DUMBO Improvement District
Emelin Theatre for the Performing Arts
FABnyc
Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens
Hook Arts Media
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning
Jazzmobile
LES Creative People In Action
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council
Madison Square Park Conservancy
Museum of the City of New York
Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica
NoMAA (Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance)
Orchestra of St. Luke's
Pregones/PRTT
Queens Symphony Orchestra
Queens Theatre
Queensboro Dance Festival
Regina Opera Company
Riverside Park Conservancy
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Socrates Sculpture Park
St. Ann's Warehouse
St. John’s University
Staten Island Museum
Street Lab
Teatro SEA
Thalia Spanish Theatre
The Billie Holiday Theatre
The Public Theater
The Washington Square Association
Third Street Music School
Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID

Con Edison supports hundreds of nonprofits in New York City and Westchester County to strengthen neighborhoods, sustain communities and improve lives. In addition to the arts, these philanthropic efforts support the environment, and important educational initiatives in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $14 billion in annual revenues and $64 billion in assets. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam, and serves 3.5 million customers in New York City and Westchester County. Through Consolidated Edison Inc.’s subsidiary, Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, the company is the second-largest solar developer in the United States and the seventh-largest worldwide. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit conEd.com. For energy efficiency information, visit coned.com/energyefficiency. Also, visit us on Twitter and Facebook.