Kupferberg Center for the Arts (KCA) is the largest multi-disciplinary arts complex in Queens. We present world-class artists in our on-campus venues, showcase regional talents in our off-site neighborhood performances, and produce professional shows by Queens College students and faculty.
MISSIOn
The mission of Kupferberg Center for the Arts (KCA) is to provide high quality accessible and affordable cultural attractions to the Queens College community and the borough’s 2.4 million residents. The largest indoor year-round multi-disciplinary arts entity in the borough, KCA features world class artists and performances at its main stage campus venues and showcases the talents of emerging and regional artists in off-site, neighborhood settings. A leader in the cultural landscape of Queens, KCA connects residents of the most ethnically diverse region of the nation to their unique cultural heritages, showcasing these arts to a broader audience and highlighting the contributions each makes to the distinct nature of our campus and community.
HISTORY
KCA was created in 2006 to honor alumnus Max Kupferberg for his $10 million gift to the College in support of the arts. KCA is charged with marketing cultural events, developing cross-disciplinary collaborations among the arts units and between the arts units and off-campus partners, raising funds, and working with an Arts Advisory Board comprised of academic and community stakeholders. Every year since 1961, Kupferberg Center (formerly Colden Center for the Performing Arts) has presented public programs for all ages on and off the campus of Queens College, which serve thousands of people from throughout the borough and region.
Learn More about KCA
Artists and performers who have taken the stage here over the years include Jerry Seinfeld, David Bowie, The Piano Guys, Patti LaBelle, Johnny Mathis, Victor Manuelle, Cesar Millan, El Gran Combo, and many more.Â
Our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King, and recognizes the work of notable members of the African-American communities of Queens with a live performance.Â
Live at the Gantries is a free summer concert series presenting emerging local artists at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, while our Queens Borough President’s Office summer concert series occurs in parks throughout the Borough. New in 2024, we partner with NYC Parks, Flushing Town Hall, and Louis Armstrong House Museum to present the Queens Jazz Trail Concert Series to brings Queens’ rich jazz heritage to life in our community parks.Â
KCA education programs bring world-class arts education experiences to over 10,000 students and seniors in Queens each year, fostering creativity, cultural understanding, and community engagement. Through our Schooltime Performance Series, CASA, and SU-CASA initiatives, and our in-school residencies and assemblies, we celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Queens through our hands-on arts activities throughout the borough.Â
KCA administers and oversees the CUNY Dance Initiative, a residency program that offers rehearsal and performance space to NYC-based dance companies on City University of New York campuses in all five boroughs.
KCA and its affiliate entities were founded on the principle that all people and all communities should have access to high-quality, affordable, and accessible arts entertainment and education. As such, KCA is committed to locate and address any instances of implicit or explicit bias and to help advance social and racial justice by:
- Presenting diverse programs and performances that amplify the voices of artists of all cultural and national backgrounds.
- Develop initiatives led by artists of color and artists who have a successful track-record of working collaboratively with communities of color that actively address issues of social and racial injustice.
- Collaborating with partner arts organizations that share our vision to advance social justice in our borough and city-wide.
We are convinced that a united front to achieve racial equality will lead to much-needed and long-overdue social changes, and we are excited to work with artists, our audiences and partners, and the Queens College community to help foster this transformation.
QC SCHOOL OF ARTS
Godwin-Ternbach Museum
Located on the Queens College campus, the Godwin-Ternbach Museum organizes cultural exhibitions and programs of contemporary and historical significance for the diverse audiences of Queens and the greater metropolitan region—including students, faculty, and the public alike.
Louis Armstrong House Museum
At the Louis Armstrong House Museum on 107th Street in Corona, Queens, time stands still. Across the street, the new Louis Armstrong Center features a 60,000-piece archive and a 75-seat venue for performances, lectures, and educational programs.
LIVE AT THE GANTRIES
Live at the Gantries is a series of free outdoor performances featuring a diverse range of local talents that celebrate the unique cultures and communities of Queens.
QUEENS JAZZ TRAIL CONCERT SERIES
Inspired by the iconic Queens Jazz Trail Map, this free summer concert series brings this rich history to life in our community parks.
STAFF
At KCA, we pride ourselves on our dedicated and passionate team who work hard to bring diverse cultural experiences to our community.
CAREERS
Looking to advance your career? Join the dedicated and diverse team at KCA.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Explore Kupferberg Center for the Arts’ Annual Reports, showcasing our dedication to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment.
CONTACT
You can reach KCA Box Office and Administrative Offices by phone, email, or mail. We look forward to connecting with you!