The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL), an arts institution that first opened in 1972, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of events this summer.
“Our incredible board and amazing staff stand on the shoulders of those who, over 50 years, built JCAL into the leading cultural institution of southeast Queens,” said Executive Director Leonard Jacobs.
The Jamaica-based organization, which showcases emerging artists and performers based in southeast Queens, prides itself on ensuring “that the community of JCAL artists always represents, and always reflects, the immense richness and diversity of southeast Queens,” according to Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench.
“Just as it was back in 1972, we see it as JCAL’s critical mission to uplift the performing artists, visual artists and arts educators of the next generation, and of the next generation, and of the next generation after that,” Ffrench said. “And also to ensure that the community of JCAL artists always represents, and always reflects, the immense richness and diversity of southeast Queens.”
In the midst of its semi-century milestone, JCAL is hosting several events throughout the month, such as concerts, plays and so much more.
The institution is even offering several classes in many different subjects throughout the summer and is even giving options to aspiring artists to rent their space for only $10 an hour.
Earlier this year, the JCAL held an art exhibition that originally began in February and is scheduled to end later on June 18, which showcased the institution’s art galleries, including the work of famed artist Danny Simmons, a Queens native.
While tickets for two of its other anniversary events are completely sold out, there is still time to reserve a spot for the Queens International Children’s Festival taking place at the end of the month.
Below is an event rundown of events for the month of June. For more information, visit jcal.org.
Queens International Children’s Festival
June 25 and 26, noon
153-10 Jamaica Ave.
RSVP here
Book rehearsal space at JCAL for just $10 an hour!
Sign up
Riddim Section Finale
June 29, 8 p.m.
161-04 Jamaica Ave.
RSVP here
Open for registration:
JCAL School of the Arts Summer Semester
Sign up for classes
Become a member
El Otro Oz
June 21, 11 a.m.
153-10 Jamaica Ave.
RSVP here
Next up on Meet the Playwright:
Pearls and Swine
June 27, 7 p.m.
161-4 Jamaica Ave.
RSVP here
It’s a Luxury to Look Back Opening Reception
June 30, 6 p.m.
161-4 Jamaica Ave.
RSVP here
