A Statement from Kamilah Forbes

We bring our all digital Fall 2020 season to you during unprecedented times.

Since March, we have experienced a global health pandemic that forced us to close the Apollo’s physical doors and we continue to face the dual pandemic of racism and social injustice in this country. While our programming has shifted from in-person to online-- today and always--we remain a safe space for artists and audiences to live and express themselves fully. Though much has changed since last March, The Apollo is doubling down on its mission to uplift our community and share the fullest expression of our individual and collective experiences.

We have seen much of the world scrambling to catch up to the reality that we have always known - All Black lives matter. While the field at large is working to create more equity in programming and opportunities for artists, the Apollo has always been committed to this work. It is ingrained in the very DNA of our institution. Rather than claiming a seat, we have built our own table for artists and our audiences. We also acknowledge the reality of the economic impact the pandemic has had on many arts and cultural institutions. Within the Black community, these effects are doubly felt when compounded with the pandemic of racism and social injustice. During these times we continue to tap into our innate ability to persevere as we double down in our resolve to create space for our community to celebrate, to express our grief, and sometimes rage, and space to breathe freely as the fullest expressions of ourselves. These survival skills that have been passed down from our ancestors from generation to generation have prepared us for this moment. The path has been paved before us and we continue to lay the groundwork for those who will come long after we’re gone. Our work this season plants the seeds for the Apollo Legends of tomorrow.

We honor the legacy that has prepared us for this present moment. Our Fall 2020 season is reflective of that work. We have created space for conversations with artists, educators and thought-leaders through our educational and Apollo New Works programs, we are shining a light on the best up and coming artists through our Apollo Music Cafe, and revisiting and reimagining iconic music on our digital stage with artists like Wyclef Jean.

The Apollo Theater’s existence has been largely dependent on the support of our community and has thrived on the contributions of not only the artists who have shared their deeply personal work, but also our supporters, who continue to show up and invest in our community time and time again. Understanding the economic realities that have affected the arts and cultural community and the nation as a whole, the Apollo’s Fall season is being presented free of charge, thanks to the generous support of our board, individual donors, corporate and city, state and government assistance .

The Apollo is committed to keeping the arts alive so that we can continue to nurture Black creativity and ensure that the foundation and the legacy of the Apollo will remain for generations to come. I invite you to visit us online and on social media to explore our offerings and I look forward to meeting you at the Digital Stage.

Kamilah Forbes
Executive Producer
Apollo Theater

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APOLLO NEW WORKS

As the latest initiative in the Apollo Theater’s ongoing expansion, Apollo New Works extends the Theater’s commitment to the articulation and projection of the African American and African diasporic narrative. This multi-disciplinary commissioning program is dedicated to the creation of a diverse, 21^st century American performing arts cannon. Many of the works will premiere at the Apollo’s new theaters at the Victoria, scheduled to open in fall 2021. Apollo New Works is made possible with the support of a $2 million grant from the Ford Foundation for the creation of new work by artists of color, the initiative is also funded by a $1 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for the Apollo’s Master Artist in Residency, a central component of the program. Apollo New Work artists include: Camille A. Brown, Stefon Harris, Jon Boogz and Lil Buck, Ebony Noelle Golden, Ballet Hispánico, BANDALOOP & Daniel Bernard Roumain, Black Gotham Experience, Soul Science Lab, The New Black Fest, and Talvin Wilks.

Learn more about programs at the Apollo and the expansion at the Victoria Theater below.

Apollo Programs Victoria Theater