New 42 is partnering with TDF to grow its theater access offerings for New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents. The two organizations have newly established the Arts Access Pathway, a program that will provide families living in NYCHA public housing who have previously taken advantage of New 42’s offerings with free and discounted tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, among other dance and music performances.
The new initiative expands the ongoing FamilyTix program, also a program of New 42, whose mission is, in part, to introduce young audiences to the performing arts and maintain that interest throughout their lives. FamilyTix offers families in NYCHA housing up to four free tickets per production at the New Victory Theater (operated by New 42). The program also provides access to American Sign Language (ASL)-interpreted and sensory-friendly performances, free activities led by trained teaching artists, opportunities to meet performers after every show and prepaid OMNY cards for transportation to and from the theater.
Now, families who have attended at least three New Victory performances will be invited to participate in the Arts Access Pathway program, granting them access to TDF’s offerings of free and discounted tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, in addition to other performing arts programming at New York City institutions like New York City Center and Lincoln Center. Program participants will also be invited to community-based events, like daytime performances and talkbacks. New 42 and TDF said the new program is aimed at turning first-time theatergoers into lifelong appreciators of the performing arts.
Also as part of the partnership, New 42 and TDF will work with Dr. Thalia R. Goldstein, associate professor and director of the Play, Learning, Arts and Youth Lab at George Mason University, to conduct a multiyear study on the impact of regular theater attendance. Families living in NYCHA housing can participate in the study through voluntary surveys and focus groups.
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“Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts,” said NYCHA’s CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt in a statement. “Through the Arts Access Pathway, NYCHA residents can build lasting connections to New York City’s unparalleled performing arts community, opening doors to new experiences, creative expression and cultural enrichment.”
Since its founding in 2022, the FamilyTix program has distributed 4,804 free tickets to families living in NYCHA housing. FamilyTix is supported by the Ford Foundation, Great Hill, the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, New York City Council member Amanda Farias, the Shahara Ahmad-Llewellyn Family Foundation, the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund and the TD Charitable Foundation.
New 42 was founded in 1990 as an urban redevelopment organization for the improvement of 42nd Street. Since then, it has grown into a cultural nonprofit, operating the New Victory Theater, New 42 Studios and a Youth Corps program offering paid employment, job training and career guidance to young adults in New York City.
New 42’s partner on the Arts Access Pathway program, TDF, is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to removing financial, physical and invisible barriers to participation in the performing arts. Its programs include open-captioned, audio-described and ASL-interpreted performances; partnerships with New York City schools and community organizations; and discounted ticketing via TKTS booths and TDF memberships.
