The Apollo and Kwanza Jones Present 'Culture In Motion'
On Giving Tuesday, The Apollo Theater and the renowned artist Kwanza Jones announced an exciting new initiative called
Culture In Motion, a traveling arts and empowerment show that aims to unify communities across the nation. This venture marks a significant milestone as it channels nearly a century of Apollo's cultural legacy into local neighborhoods, making art accessible and enhancing community connections.
A New Era of Cultural Connectivity
Launching in January 2026,
Culture In Motion is designed to not only celebrate the vibrant heritage of The Apollo but also to engage with various communities through interactive performances and collaborative events. The initiative is part of Kwanza Jones's ambitious
Kwanza Jones José E. Feliciano Initiative, which emphasizes cultural excellence and community improvement across the United States.
The project will utilize a unique feature known as the
SUPERCHARGED® Boost Bus, a mobile cultural center that will deliver art, performances, and empowering experiences directly to people in their neighborhoods. This bus will carry the rich legacy of The Apollo along with engaging activities, ensuring that the essence of the theater reaches everyone, no matter their location.
Four Pillars of Programming
Culture In Motion is centered around four key programming pillars:
1.
Access to Art - Live performances and creative showcases that echo Apollo’s signature style.
2.
Community Engagement - Collaborations with local cultural institutions, schools, and grassroots organizations to promote inclusive participation.
3.
Empowerment - Activations that foster creativity and inspire community action.
4.
Legacy and Innovation - Honoring Apollo's storied past while embracing new technologies and fresh artistic voices.
Kwanza Jones, the executive producer of this initiative, shared her enthusiasm, stating, "The Apollo has always been more than just a stage. It is a space where individuals find their voice and recognize their power. I'm thrilled this tour will allow more people to create their own stories with Apollo."
The Apollo's President and CEO, Michelle Ebanks, emphasized the importance of community involvement: "Through Culture In Motion, we are bringing the very essence of The Apollo directly to the people across the nation. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating and supporting this new chapter in our journey."
Upcoming Events and Tour Destinations
The inaugural performance will take place at The Apollo in Harlem as part of a farewell celebration before the tour embarks on its national journey. The kick-off event is planned during the Grammy Week in Los Angeles, with subsequent stops including:
- - Long Beach, California
- - Inglewood, California
- - San Diego, California
- - Santa Clara, California
- - San Francisco, California
- - Oakland, California
- - Sacramento, California
The tour will feature additional landmarks in cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Washington D.C., with plans expanding internationally by early 2027.
For those interested in participating or hosting events, further details can be found on
boostbus.com.
About The Apollo
Founded in 1934, The Apollo is a cultural cornerstone that has celebrated and showcased artists of African descent and other marginalized voices. It serves as a catalyst for social advocacy and remains committed to uplifting Black culture. Today, it stands as the largest performing arts institution dedicated to celebrating and ensuring Black cultural expressions.
About SUPERCHARGED® and the Initiative
Kwanza Jones leads SUPERCHARGED, a platform dedicated to creativity and empowerment, where innovative projects aim to enrich culture and inspire meaningful community action. The Kwanza Jones José E. Feliciano Initiative focuses on strategic investments to facilitate long-term progress in education, entrepreneurship, equity, and community empowerment.
Join the movement and experience how
Culture In Motion is set to revolutionize community engagement through art in 2026!