The Art Meetup NYC Open Mic & Mixer at Lincoln Center

This the last Art Meetup event for the 2026 year in NYC. Tickets are available now. RSVP before you forget. Don't miss the biggest one yet!

The Art Meetup Open Mic at Lincoln Center

September 12, 2026
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center

Help Us Create a Major Opportunity for Independent Artists

This event gives emerging and established artists the rare opportunity to perform inside a respected Lincoln Center cultural institution, share their work with an attentive audience, and add a meaningful New York performance experience to their creative story.

But opportunities like this are not free to produce.

Your ticket or donation helps cover sound equipment, production support, seating, art supplies, signage, transportation, promotion, and the labor required to create an organized and welcoming space for artists.

Please contribute $5, $10, $20, or more when you RSVP. Every donation helps us give independent artists a room where their work is treated with care.

RSVP, donate, and view The Art Meetup events

https://www.lailanigibson.com/donate

This Is One of Those Rooms

There are moments in a creative life that stand out because they happen in the right room, at the right time, in front of people who are ready to listen.

On September 12, The Art Meetup returns to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center for an intimate open mic celebrating independent artists and NYC creative community.

Expect live music, poetry, spoken word, storytelling, film, photography, and original work from artists at different stages of their journeys.

For independent performers, this is a chance to place your work in a respected cultural setting, meet potential collaborators, strengthen your confidence, and create a moment you can carry into your portfolio, résumé, artist biography, and future opportunities.

Limited Performance Opportunities

Performance slots are extremely limited. Artists will be considered through the RSVP list and performer form, so early registration matters.

Priority consideration will be given to artists who have attended, performed at, volunteered with, or otherwise supported previous Art Meetup events. We are especially interested in uplifting Black voices and work that reflects the depth, complexity, and range of Black creative expression.

Completing the performer form does not guarantee a slot, but artists who join early will have the strongest opportunity to be considered.

Join the performer list and receive open mic updates

What to Expect

Live music and original performances

Poetry, spoken word, and storytelling

Film and photography presentations

An intimate and attentive audience

A warm and supportive creative atmosphere

Opportunities to meet artists, collaborators, and new friends

A meaningful NYC performance experience

A room filled with musicians, poets, filmmakers, photographers, designers, performers, culture lovers, and neighbors who care about independent art

Why Artists Choose This Event

Creative credit: Present your work inside the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.

Visibility: Share your art with an audience that intentionally came to discover and support independent artists.

Momentum: Practice your craft in a respected setting and create a meaningful addition to your artistic journey.

Community: Meet serious creatives who are building, experimenting, and showing up for one another.

Connection: Many guests attend alone and leave with new friends, collaborators, and greater confidence in their work.

More Ways to Get Involved

You do not have to perform to become part of this experience.

Attend and support the artists taking the stage.

Donate to help cover production and programming costs.

Volunteer with check-in, guest support, setup, or event flow.

Sponsor sound, supplies, documentation, refreshments, or artist support.

Share the event with performers and culture lovers in your community.

Invite someone who has been searching for a welcoming creative space in NYC.

Organizations, businesses, and community partners interested in sponsoring or supporting the event can contact Lailani Gibson.

Community Supported

The Art Meetup is built through Lailani’s personal time, labor, and resources, along with contributions from people who believe independent artists deserve accessible and meaningful opportunities.

There is no major institution or company covering all of the production costs behind this gathering. Community support allows us to provide equipment, organization, promotion, and a thoughtful experience for both artists and guests.

Your presence fills the room. Your donation helps make the room possible.

You do not need to know anyone to attend. Come alone, bring a friend, perform, listen, volunteer, donate, or simply show up for the artists sharing their work.

Performance opportunities are limited to those who have previously attended an Art Meetup, and early support directly strengthens what we can provide. RSVP, contribute, and join the performer list today.

RSVP and support The Art Meetup

Join the open mic performer list

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