“Chinatown Stories: Behind the Counter” Gives Voice to Resilient Shop Owners
Using visual and audio mediums, Chinatown Stories: Behind the Counter amplified the grit, perseverance, and necessity of the small businesses that exemplify Chinatown’s unwavering spirit. Produced in partnership with Culture Reel, Sounds of Chinatown and SOS: Save Our Storefronts Coalition, this limited-run exhibition invited guests to (re)discover Chinatown through an intimate lens from the perspective of small business owners and their workers. Over 175 people attended this three-day event from Nov 13-15th, and we raised $4,000 in ticket sales and donations.
Seven businesses were spotlighted in the exhibit area of Hotel 50 Bowery. Each had their own section that was decorated with accoutrements significant to their story. QR codes in each area allowed visitors to listen to the personal interviews on their own phones. Additionally, vouchers to other local businesses and an art print map of Chinatown were given to event guests to encourage them to further experience and engage with the community post event.
Learn more about our Partners:
Featured Artists:
Brandon Romulus
Dardan Ramadani
Michael DiNatale
Profits from ticket sales benefit Welcome to Chinatown’s Longevity Fund, the only small business grant exclusively for Chinatown, NY. As we saw in this exhibit, without small businesses, Chinatown faces an irreversible loss that cannot be ignored.
Thank you to all our partners, participants, artists, event guests, and volunteers for continuing to support the community and for making this happen!
