Outdoor Cinema transformed summer evenings at Socrates Sculpture Park into a gathering place for thousands of New Yorkers. Families, friends, neighbors, and visitors came together on the waterfront to enjoy free films, live performances, food, and cultural programming under the stars.

As Socrates celebrates its 40th Anniversary, we are working to bring this beloved tradition back. To do so, we must raise $50,000 in community support.

Help Us Raise $50,000

Outdoor Cinema is our goal. Community support is how we get there.

A Community-Powered Campaign

Through the Community Council (formerly Socrates FaNS), we are inviting neighbors, artists, and supporters to help restore Outdoor Cinema and sustain free public programming at Socrates Sculpture Park.

Outdoor Cinema has always been about more than movies. It is a celebration of public space as a place where differences are not simply acknowledged, they are welcomed. At a time when othering and division continue to intensify, creating spaces where people gather across cultures, experiences, and perspectives is a political act. Outdoor Cinema reminds us of the power of public space to foster connection, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity that defines our communities. .

The Community Council is a growing network of people who believe that public space, cultural exchange, and belonging are worth investing in. Through recurring monthly support, members help ensure that Socrates remains free, accessible, and vibrant for all.

Together, community support helps sustain the exhibitions, performances, educational programs, and public gatherings that define Socrates—and makes the return of Outdoor Cinema possible.

Make a Reoccuring Gift

Monthly giving is one of the most meaningful ways to support the Park and its future.

Community Council Membership Levels

• Supporter — $10/month
• Advocate — $25/month
• Champion — $50/month
• Steward — $100/month

Every contribution helps bring Outdoor Cinema back to the Park and supports free public programming throughout the year.

For so many years, Outdoor Cinema was a cherished summer tradition at Socrates. With your support, we can welcome audiences back to the waterfront for free films, shared experiences, and unforgettable summer nights.