Turnout NYC is a month-long series of sound and light experiences at our community space under the tracks at 125th Street & Park Avenue.

Along with the Design Trust for Public Space and SITU, we've been thinking through ways to make our public places more welcoming, with a focus on transforming underutilized outdoor spaces across the five boroughs into performance venues for artistic expression.

Two of the biggest challenges under the Park Avenue Viaduct are too much sound, and lack of light. So our creative partners at the National Black Theatre and NightSeeing are crafting an artistic response:

SOUND: Learn to Love Yourself Saturdays: Silent Disco & Portrait Series consists of five artist-inspired sonic soundscapes mixed by D.J. Stormin’ Norman into a live three-hour "silent disco" session, with headphones provided on site. The sound experience is driven by National Black Theatre founder Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s commitment to being “… bold and unconventional about her love of Black people,” and in keeping with her radical belief that loving “our Black selves” is the first step toward reclaiming the collective power needed to eliminate oppression. Acclaimed artists and sound designers JOJO ABOT, Holland Andrews, Justin Hicks, Aaron Marcellus and Mikaal Sulaiman are each contributing commi ssioned soundscapes. The outdoor dance party runs in tandem with a portrait photography series that invites the community to have portraits taken by notable photographers Braylen Dion, Lelund Durond Thompson, Eric Hart, Jr., and Gioncarlo Valentine. You'll get your pic made on a set designed by acclaimed visual artist Alixa Garcia, plus enjoy cool treats to cool down. Saturdays, August 13, 20 & 27, and September 3, 3-6 p.m.

We're closing out the silent disco and portrait series with a double billing that also includes a screening of the new documentary "AJASS: Pioneers of the Black Is Beautiful Movement." Saturday, September 3, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

And a fashion show by Harlem Fashion Week. Friday, September 2, 7 p.m.

LIGHT: Uptown Flash is a light installation by noted public transit lighting designer Leni Schwendinger of NightSeeing. In response to the dark shadows cast by the viaduct structure, Uptown Flash will transform the underpass into a colorful canopy of woven light, based on the tradition of African hair braiding. Come braid light with us as part of the installation! Wednesday, August 10, 2-8 p.m.

Then close out TurnOut with Cloud Nine: An Illuminated Circus, a family-friendly circus show by 3 A.M. Theatre featuring dynamic lighting design, vibrant street theater and an immersive art installation. Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 9-11, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

 With thanks to the Design Trust for Public Space, SITU, the Mellon Foundation & the NYC Department of Transportation.