New York Proud art exhibition celebrates immigrants in Times Square

The third edition of ‘New York Proud’, a public art initiative, has launched in Times Square, featuring large-scale documentary portraits of immigrants. The exhibition, which runs from August 28 to September 7, aims to highlight the essential contributions of immigrant communities to the culture, economy, and identity of New York City.

Photographer Oscar B. Castillo captured images of individuals from five continents working in various roles, including bodega owners, construction workers, educators, and healthcare professionals. The project is a collaborative effort between the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), F.Y. Eye, Times Square Arts, and Photoville.

Organizers stated the initiative seeks to provide a humanizing narrative amidst political debates and a climate of fear surrounding migrant communities. Murad Awawdeh, president of NYIC, emphasized that immigrants are integral to the city’s institutions, from local businesses to emergency rooms. Following the Times Square display, the exhibition is scheduled to expand to the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn.