NYC ART MEETUP: Open Mic & Meal

The NYC Art Meetup isn’t backed by sponsors or institutions — it’s built by people. Artists, neighbors, and friends who believe that creativity deserves room to breathe, grow, and be celebrated in community.

Every event exists because we make it exist — together.
This winter’s meetup is both a gathering and a fundraiser. We’re raising funds for sound equipment, venue rentals, and artist support so this space can continue through 2026 without relying on outside funding. The goal is simple: to keep creative space accessible, sustainable, and ours.

If one hundred people share one dollar, we can buy a new microphone.
If two hundred share one dollar, we can finally build a shared sound setup for everyone who steps onstage.

Every small act of support adds up to something real — tools we can use, spaces we can keep, and memories that bring us back together again.

📅 EVENT DETAILS

Saturday, February 7, 2026
Sanger Hall, 48-20 Skillman Ave, Queens, NY 11104
🕐 Doors open at 1:30 PM | 🎤 Performances begin at 2:00 PM

Expect live music, open mic performances, vendors, poetry, comedy, and connection. It’s the same energy as our Brooklyn park meetups — just indoors this time, in a cozy local venue that believes in artists as much as we do.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with all proceeds supporting future meetups, equipment, and accessibility needs. Vendors keep 100% of their sales, and there’s a free RSVP option for anyone who wants to attend but can’t contribute financially right now. Ordering food or drinks at the venue helps support the local business hosting us.

🎟 RSVP:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-art-meetup-open-mic-meal-tickets-1657290192579

🌿 SIGN-UP LINKS

🎤 Open Mic Sign-Up Form: https://forms.gle/Tfq1dGbzSJEnCLRr9
🌱 Vendor Sign-Up Form: https://forms.gle/aS8xURn5CDsjvRdc6

💛 HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

Every dollar collected goes directly to:

• Community-owned sound equipment (microphones, mixer, monitors, cables)
• Venue rentals for future meetups
• Artist meals and volunteer support
• Accessibility materials and transport stipends

💸 Ways to Support
Venmo: @Laifleur
CashApp: $Laifleur
PayPal: lailanigibson@gmail.com
Zelle: contact directly

Even one dollar helps us keep creating sustainable, people-first creative spaces across NYC.

✨ ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Curated and organized by Lailani Gibson (@nonlocalai) — multidisciplinary creative, event curator, and founder of The Creative Plug, a grassroots newsletter and network that connects over 4,000+ NYC artists, freelancers, and community organizers with verified jobs, open calls, and creative events.

Lailani’s work bridges art, access, and equity — building spaces where underrepresented artists are seen, valued, and supported.

Her mission is to make art community accessible for everyone, from open mics and park meetups to gallery shows and career resources.

💌 Subscribe for opportunities, jobs, and artist calls:
https://open.substack.com/pub/lailanigibsonartjobs

🌐 Explore event archives, artist sign-ups, and upcoming meetups:
https://www.lailanigibson.com/event-list

📱 Follow and connect on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nonlocalai

💬 JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Connect with other artists, creatives, and collaborators in NYC through our WhatsApp groups:
🤝 Collab + Connect Chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/D5dlZ3PkUVQ1qdd7F5d8GO

If this space has ever reminded you that art still matters — that connection still matters — this is your moment to help it grow.

We’ve made it this far with no grants or sponsorships, only intention and community care. Every RSVP, repost, and dollar helps keep the lights on, the sound clear, and the door open for whoever needs it next.

Come through. Bring someone with you. Be part of what we’re building together.

— Lailani 🌿