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Governors Island Offers Free Arts Programming for Families to Enjoy this Spring

Governors Island Offers Free Arts Programming for Families to Enjoy this Spring

Browse a village of arts, culture and education from popular cultural institutions at the annual Governors Island Organizations in Residence program


Governors Island will turn into a one-stop-shop of art and culture for families to enjoy with the return of its annual Organizations in Residence program, kicking off May 1. 

The free program, organized by the Trust for Governors Island, will feature 24 New York-based organizations that will present exhibits, workshops, performances, artist residencies and more in the historic houses of Nolan Park and Colonels Row, which once served as homes to military officers and their families during the island's nearly two-century history as an Army and Coast Guard base. 

“We are thrilled to welcome back our Organizations in Residence program on the Island. This program and its  participants fully embody the diverse cultural community of New York City and offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact and engage with international artists, hands-on activities, workshops and talks,” said Clare Newman, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “We encourage visitors to take advantage of this free programming, suitable for all ages, while getting to visit the island and learn about its rich history.”

What to Expect at the Governors Island Organizations in Residence Program in 2022

Since Governors Island opened to the public in 2005, the Trust for Governors Island has invited organizations to utilize its historic houses to present public programs while providing workspace for artists and cultural practitioners. This year's program will be reminiscent of a cultural and educational village, with each organization having its own house to present programs and host residencies, allowing visitors to hop from one house to the next to learn something new.

Families can enjoy a variety of activities such as live performances, workshops, talks, creative projects and more hosted by participating institutions: 

  • 4heads, Manhattan

  • American Indian Community House, Manhattan

  • ArtCrawl Harlem, Manhattan

  • Beam Center, Brooklyn 

  • Billion Oyster Project, Manhattan

  • BronxArtSpace, Bronx 

  • The Climate Museum, Manhattan

  • Escaping Time: Art from U.S. Prisons, Manhattan

  • Flux Factory, Queens

  • Harvestworks, Manhattan

  • KODA, Brooklyn 

  • The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, Brooklyn 



  • NARS Foundation, Brooklyn 

  • National Academy of Design, Manhattan

  • New Art Dealers Alliance, Manhattan

  • NY Virtual Volcano Observatory, Manhattan

  • NYC Audubon, Manhattan

  • NYU Gallatin WetLab, Manhattan

  • Pratt School of Architecture, Brooklyn 

  • Swale, Brooklyn 

  • Syracuse University, Syracuse

  • Triangle Arts, Brooklyn 

  • West Harlem Art Fund, Manhattan 

This isn't the first time Governors Island has been in the news lately for hosting fun activities for the public. Last year, the city of New York and the Trust for Governors Island announced the island will be open to the public year-round—not only in the summer. The island kicked off its inaugural winter season late last year with the first-ever Winter Village offering a variety of holiday and winter-time activities for the public to enjoy. 

What You Need to Know About Visiting the Organizations in Residence Program at Governors Island 

How do I get to Governors Island? 

Get to the island by taking the ferry from Manhattan at 10 South St. Boats run daily. A round trip ferry ticket is $3 for adults and free for seniors and children younger than 12. Check out the ferry schedule at govisland.com/ferry.

When will the Organizations in Residence program run?

The program will run May 1-Oct. 31. Hours of operation will be announced soon!

How much is admission?

The program is free and open to the public. 

What are Governors Island’s current COVID guidelines?

  • Proof of COVID vaccination is required to enter indoor spaces.

  • Children not eligible for vaccination must be accompanied by a vaccinated person.

  • Face coverings are required on Governors Island ferries and in any indoor spaces on the island.

For more information, visit govisland.com or follow Governors Island on Facebook or Instagram.

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Barbara Russo

Author: Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits. See More

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