On Sunday, June 9th at 10:09 AM, the New Art Center in Newton received a bomb threat for the first time in our 47-year history.
The threat indicated that bombs were placed on our roof at 61 Washington Park and that the building would “go boom” at 11 AM. Although the threat did not specifically reference our free, public Drag Queen Story Hour event that was at 11 AM, we believe that was the catalyst. The threat was immediately reported to the Newton Police Department. Our facility was searched and cleared by the Newton Police Department and the Newton Fire Department.
We shared the threat with members of the community who had come to join us for Story Hour and while some chose to leave, 30 families remained for story time with Missy Steak. The Newton Police Department also stayed on site for a time. We appreciate and thank the Newton Police Department and the Newton Fire Department for their fast responses which ensured that the event would continue.
We appreciate that Missy Steak stayed to share her mission with our community:
It’s my mission as a drag queen, an artist, and a person, to create spaces where joy can be celebrated and kindness reciprocated. And appreciated. Where sadness is alleviated. And no person is alienated.
Since 2020, New Art has leveraged art to solve community-based problems through our Cultural Access Program, which creates opportunities to Make Art, Look at Art and Celebrate Art, regardless of financial circumstance.
Our Drag Queen Story Hour is part of this program and presented in support of Pride Month. At our core, we believe art plays a vital role in building a thriving, inclusive, and innovative community, and we state unequivocally that hate has no home at New Art.
Our Cultural Access Program is funded by individual donors, foundations and corporate sponsors. New Art does not receive general operating support from the City of Newton. If you would like to learn about how you can support the important work we are doing in the community, please make a donation here or email me directly.
With gratitude –
Emily O’Neil, Executive Director
