Big Umbrella Day will be returning to Lincoln Center on Saturday, July 6 for the sixth consecutive year.
The full day of free programming (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), part of Summer for the City, is designed for audiences with autism and other developmental disabilities. It will be taking over the entire campus with sensory-based, interactive exhibits. Here are some highlights:
OPTIK: An interactive installation on Hearst Plaza by The Urban Conga (New York), inviting audiences to manipulate the movement and reflection of light while each unit becomes a different musical instrument.
© Sara Kerens
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Birdmen: A participatory roaming performance from Close Act Theatre (The Netherlands) featuring three illuminated, stilt-walking puppets resembling birds from prehistoric times.
An Evening of Access Magic: a silent disco celebrating Disability Pride Month with “ASL song- signing, creative captioning, choreographic offerings, access doula-ing, and music.”
Throughout the day, two disabled artists will also be performing.
James Ian, an award-winning singer-songwriter who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 3, will be performing “SPACES,” a first-of-its-kind song that highlights those living with the condition. Marsha Elle, a “bionic model, musician, and disability advocate,” will perform a concert dedicated to the ’90s and 2000s while celebrating “body positivity and self-acceptance as she continues to spread messages of love, light, and inclusivity.”
Additional activities will include interactive gardening at Damrosch Park, a creative dance station at David Geffen Hall, and Tai Chi accompanied by live traditional Chinese music.
To learn more about Big Umbrella Day, visit this page.
