Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

April 20, 2020

All New Haven’s a (virtual) stage

PHOTO | Contributed We gather together (just not in the same physical space): At Home in NH organizer Allen.
By Michael C. Bingham

A group of local entrepreneurs, facilitators, designers, and artists has launched an online platform to showcase and support their peers, as well as other small businesses, nonprofits and the work of mutual aid groups, during the current pandemic. 

Beginning with an opening week from May 4-10, “At Home in New Haven” will act as a virtual stage for residents and organizations in New Haven to showcase their talents, knowledge and/or gifts — as well as to raise some money in the process.

The project’s website went live last Friday (April 17). It includes a form through which any individual, group, or organization throughout the city can submit their ideas for presentations or performances.

What kind of presentations? The sky’s the limit — from musical performances and bread-making classes, to panel discussions and facilitated conversations aimed at sharing solutions and forming collaborative networks of small businesses and local nonprofits.

“We want to lift up the work being done by others, as well as inspire creative new ways to use the virtual spaces available to us right now,” said Anthony Allen, one of At Home in New Haven’s organizers, in a statement. “New Haven is filled with creativity and compassion, and there are a multitude of ways in which the people and businesses here are adapting and reimagining what it means to connect with and support one another.

“At Home in New Haven is a response to the feeling that we have only begun to explore the ways we gather when we cannot be together in shared physical space,” Allen added.

Each session on the platform will carry a suggested registration fee of $5. Those who cannot pay will be able to use a coupon code to register for any session without charge. All registration fees will go to the presenting individual or organization. Presenters may also choose to donate those funds to one of three local aid funds.

“The idea is to give the amazing folks that make New Haven so special a larger stage to continue earning a living or supporting their organizations through their craft and the unique gifts they have to offer,” said Allen. “At the same time, accessibility is incredibly important because the truth is that we all need what these individuals and organizations have to offer, now more than ever.” 

The first confirmed sessions will be announced shortly via the project’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Individuals and organizations interested in presenting or performing during Opening Week may submit their proposals at athomeinnewhaven.com.

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF