Mayor Mamdani and Under the Radar Festival Launch ”Under the Radar For All,” Providing Free Theater Access to New Yorkers
NEW YORK CITY – In a important move to broaden access to the arts, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has partnered with the Under the radar Festival (UTR) to launch “Under the Radar For All,” an initiative offering 1,500 free tickets to select performances during the festival’s 2026 run. The announcement, made earlier today in Brooklyn, underscores the management’s commitment to making cultural experiences accessible to all new Yorkers, irrespective of socioeconomic status.
A Vision Beyond Affordability
Mayor Mamdani framed the initiative as part of a larger vision for an affordable city, extending beyond basic needs like housing and childcare. “When I speak about making this city more affordable, my vision is not limited to the homes that we live in or the childcare we make universal; it’s also a vision where we make it possible for working people to afford lives of joy, of art, of rest, of expression,” he stated during the press conference. he emphasized the importance of art as a vital component of a fulfilling life, especially for those facing daily struggles.
The Mayor shared anecdotes from conversations with New yorkers who expressed the difficulty of prioritizing cultural experiences amidst financial pressures.“So often all they can think of are thier struggles. They too should have art in their lives,” he said,expressing gratitude for the festival’s commitment to inclusivity.
Expanding Access Through Collaboration
The partnership with UTR allows for a diverse range of performances to be included in the initiative. The HERE arts Center is among the participating venues, offering tickets to the world premiere of Dream Feed by the HawtPlates, running January 9-25, 2026.Tickets for performances between January 14-16 at 8:30 PM are available using the code UTRFREE on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lauren Miller and Jesse Cameron Alick, co-directors of HERE, highlighted their long-standing commitment to accessibility. “HERE has always been committed to economic access to our programs, with 10 tickets available for $10 for every single performance across our two theatres all year long,” they said in a joint statement. “we are thrilled to take part in Mayor Mamdani’s first initiative to ensure that access extends to the arts across the city through its innovative partnership with the Under the Radar Festival.”
The Under the Radar Festival: A Hub for Experimental Theatre
For over two decades, the Under the Radar Festival has been a leading force in showcasing experimental theatre and performance art in the United States.This year’s festival, running from January 7-25, 2026, will feature over 225 performances of 30 different shows across 25 venues in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. The festival is known for presenting bold, innovative work that often pushes the boundaries of traditional theatrical forms.
UTR’s programming is part of the city’s broader JanArtsNYC initiatives, demonstrating a city-wide effort to support and promote the arts. A preview of the 2026 programming was released last summer, with the full roster now available online.
Why This Matters: The Importance of Arts Access
The “Under the Radar For All” initiative represents a crucial step towards democratizing access to the arts. Studies consistently demonstrate the positive impact of arts engagement on individual well-being, community advancement, and economic vitality. By removing financial barriers, the initiative aims to foster a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape in New York City. This program not only benefits individual attendees but also supports the artists and organizations that contribute to the city’s thriving arts ecosystem.
The initiative also highlights a growing recognition among civic leaders of the arts as an essential service, not a luxury. Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to making art accessible to all New Yorkers sets a precedent for other cities to follow, potentially sparking a nationwide movement to prioritize arts funding and accessibility.
