Sunnyside Rhythm Block 2027: Open Call for Performers, Sound & Participatory Art

Sunnyside Rhythm Block (SRB) is a free outdoor public art and performance series returning to the 46th Street Open Street beneath the Sunnyside Arch for four weekends in May 2027.

Presented by Korea Art Forum and curated and organized by gong, the 2027 series is organized around THE DRUM AS COMMONS—an exploration of rhythm as a way people gather, connect, and participate in public space.

We invite artists and collectives to propose:

Performance — Drum and percussion practices, movement that generates sound, body percussion, processional and street forms, and rhythm-led DJ or sound practices.

Participatory art and public programs — Projects that people can join, make, shape, or transform.

Participatory projects do not need to be sound-based. They may create a shared rhythm through movement, repetition, exchange, gathering, or collective action.

Practices rooted in or shaped by immigrant and diasporic communities are especially welcome. Applicants are encouraged to work from their own practices and relationships rather than represent an entire country or culture.

Projects should be suitable for an active outdoor street and accessible to families, neighborhood residents, and passersby. Selected artists will receive an artist fee, and basic production support will be available.

There is no application fee.

Requirements

• Open to individual artists, performers, DJs, sound artists, collectives, and cultural practitioners.
• Applicants must be available to present their program in person in Sunnyside, Queens, during May 2027.
• Proposals must involve percussion-led performance, participatory art or public programming, or a combination of these forms.
• Projects must be suitable for an outdoor public setting without a raised stage.
• Applicants must provide a program description, estimated duration, technical requirements, work samples, and a CV or résumé.
• Applicants will also be asked to indicate their availability and expected artist fee.

Application Instructions

Complete the online application form by September 15, 2026.