LOVE IS THE MESSAGE 2025
Award-winning NYC grant exhibition combating bias and hate.
LOVE IS THE MESSAGE: SYNOPSIS
LOVE IS THE MESSAGE is an immersive art and dance experience created by artist Julia Kito Kirtley. Through live painting, music, dance, and participatory art-making, the project creates a space for connection, reflection, and shared creativity—inviting audiences to co-create beauty, dialogue, and community. Featuring NYC’s underground dance community, the performances celebrate the global influence of street and social dance culture, honoring styles and musical traditions ranging from Jazz and Disco to Hip Hop and House. Rooted in New York City’s rich cultural history, the work highlights the power of movement and art to bridge generations and diverse communities. Supported by a community project grant from the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes and the New York City Commission on Human Rights, the project uses the arts to counter hate, celebrate diversity, and inspire unity through the message: “NYC Be Kind. Make Art Not War.”
HOW CAN WE SHAPE A CITY WHERE EVERYONE FEELS THEY BELONG?
How do we create spaces where others feel safe, valued, and connected? What’s your solution to help make our communities feel kinder, and more just?
Your word matters! Take a moment to read through the five questions. Head over to the mural. Add your word to the collective artwork.
How do we create spaces where others feel safe, valued, and connected? What’s your solution to help make our communities feel kinder, and more just?
Your word matters! Take a moment to read through the five questions. Head over to the mural. Add your word to the collective artwork.
- In one word, how can you help others feel safe?
- What’s one word that shows someone they belong?
- In one word, how can you help others feel valued?
- What’s one word that builds trust across differences?
- What’s one word that invites connection?
April 27 2025 | 3–6 PM | Betty Carter Auditorium, Major Owens Community Center (Brooklyn)
June 13 2025 | 6–9 PM | By Alexander (Manhattan)
Final Community Project Canvas Donated to NYC Office For The Prevention of Hate Crimes
WHAT’S A HATE CRIME + WHY IT MATTERS
A Hate Crime is “a criminal offense committed in whole or in part because of a bias against a person or group based on race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, or disability.” -NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes.
Hate crimes are not just personal. They send a message of fear and division to entire communities.
Hate crimes leave lasting wounds. The ongoing stress, fear, and isolation damage a person’s health and well-being.
Learn more at the links below: nyc.gov/stophate
A Hate Crime is “a criminal offense committed in whole or in part because of a bias against a person or group based on race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, or disability.” -NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes.
Hate crimes are not just personal. They send a message of fear and division to entire communities.
Hate crimes leave lasting wounds. The ongoing stress, fear, and isolation damage a person’s health and well-being.
Learn more at the links below: nyc.gov/stophate
LOVE IS THE MESSAGE 2026
Award-winning NYC grant exhibition combating bias and hate.
June 27th Vanderbuilt Open Streets @Rykud Movement Studio
LOVE IS THE MESSAGE a two time award winning interactive art and dance experience created by artist Julia Kito
Kirtley. With art, music, live painting, dance performances, and a participatory cityscape mural,
Kito presents a time and space that nurtures and inspires, inviting connection through the
practice of shared creativity. Each moment of the event is designed to be a spark - an
interaction that resonates long after it ends, reminding us that despite our differences, we can
co-create beauty and understanding.
The performances showcase NYC’s underground dance community and highlight the global
impact of street dance culture, paying tribute to a wide range of dance styles and musical
genres, from Jazz and Disco to Hip Hop and House. New York City, as its epicenter, and with its
rich diversity and history of artistic expression, exemplifies the value and importance of building
community and shared experiences.
Award-winning NYC grant exhibition combating bias and hate.
June 27th Vanderbuilt Open Streets @Rykud Movement Studio
LOVE IS THE MESSAGE a two time award winning interactive art and dance experience created by artist Julia Kito
Kirtley. With art, music, live painting, dance performances, and a participatory cityscape mural,
Kito presents a time and space that nurtures and inspires, inviting connection through the
practice of shared creativity. Each moment of the event is designed to be a spark - an
interaction that resonates long after it ends, reminding us that despite our differences, we can
co-create beauty and understanding.
The performances showcase NYC’s underground dance community and highlight the global
impact of street dance culture, paying tribute to a wide range of dance styles and musical
genres, from Jazz and Disco to Hip Hop and House. New York City, as its epicenter, and with its
rich diversity and history of artistic expression, exemplifies the value and importance of building
community and shared experiences.
Art Making & Community Canvas
