Procession on the High Line
Sep 20, 2014
The locomotive group getting ready for the procession, September 2014. Photograph by Sally
The Whitney is moving into a new building in the Meatpacking District, and we’re getting to know our downtown neighbors, such as the Friends of the High Line, an organization that works with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to ensure that the High Line is maintained as a public space for everyone.
On September 20, Youth Insights Leaders joined other community members to celebrate the opening of the last section of the Highline with a procession. Before the procession, seven YI teens helped make the puppets with the Processional Arts Workshop, a pair of artists that collaborate to create pageant puppetry. The puppets were made out of ribbons, cardboard, plastic strips, and paper mache. Many of the puppets consisted of several pieces and others were giant figures operated by several people using bamboo sticks.
The “West Side Cowboy” leading the procession, September 2014. Photograph by Hannie Chia
The procession was very elaborate. There were five different themes that represented components of the neighborhood and history around the High Line. The blue theme represented the East River, the red was for the Meatpacking District, pink represented the LGBTQ community, white represented the local arts scene, and grey was the locomotive or train associated with the elevated subway tracks of the High Line. The locomotive and a “West Side Cowboy” led the procession acknowledging the area’s historical street-level railroad tracks that were built in 1847 and then eliminated around 1929 due to dangerous conditions. Some YI Leaders helped activate the locomotive puppet, while others marched with the East River and LGBTQ groups. The procession was filled with singing, dancing, and live music featuring several local bands. It was great to see a community coming together to open something spectacular. Even politicians and actor Edward Norton attended. At the end of the procession on West 34th Street, there was a delicious meal prepared for those who participated.
YI Leaders and Coordinator of Youth Programs Hannie Chia feeling accomplished after the procession. Photograph by Edward Salas
The procession on the High Line demonstrated how people from all over the city can come together to make something amazing happen. Overall it was a phenomenal experience, and we were lucky to be a part of this historical New York City event.
By Krystal, Youth Insights Leader