Window display from 2016 Harlem Holiday Windows.
New York City’s Fifth Avenue holiday windows are a popular tourist destination. And Harlem is now looking to become a similar must-see attraction. Jacqueline Orange, the founder of ArtCrawl Harlem, has partnered with various organizations to produce Harlem Holiday Windows displays that celebrate Three Kings Day, Christmas, Hanukah, Loisa, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, and Harlem Week.
The festivities kickoff with two special events on Wednesday, November 29 and Saturday, December 2. Included will be expert guides, live music, dance, and rap vignettes.
We spoke with Orange about advancing tourism in Harlem, providing opportunities to youth, and the significance of the holiday season.
Jacqueline Orange, founder of ArtCrawl Harlem
How do you see this program as helping to advance tourism in Harlem?
Jacqueline Orange: It brings in a new sense of excitement during the holidays for Harlem. It is about community, tourism, and just fun. It gives businesses an opportunity to standout during the holidays. People can come shop and support various businesses, while walking causally through Harlem to see the designs. The ultimate goal is to make this Candy Cane Lane that you might see in a suburban town. We want to get all of the businesses, homes, and churches involved to eventually light up Lenox Avenue for ten blocks.
How did you develop this year’s theme?
JO: We are in a historical district with some of the oldest brownstones in Manhattan and historical landmark churches. So this year we wanted to focus on traditional Harlem celebrations we see in the community. This is something all in Harlem can relate to whether it is Puerto Rican culture, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or even Hanukah. We have a fairly large Jewish community that is resurfacing now in Harlem with the Harlem Hebrew Language Academy and JCC Harlem.
For this project, you worked with the Schomburg Center’s Teen Curator’s program and the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design (VPED) program. Is providing professional development opportunities to teens and college students an essential component of this project?
JO: Yes, it is. The Schomburg Center Teen Curators conducted research for us on traditions from various cultures. They compiled images, video clips, and articles. In the process the teens learned about traditional cultures they didn’t have a clue about. I love working with F.I.T. because it’s an opportunity for their students to do a real-life project with a real client and a business owner. They have to listen to what that client’s needs are, as well as be cognizant and sensitive to the needs of the community.
Detail shot of 2016 Harlem Holiday Windows display depicting the Lindy hop dance.
What comes to mind when you think about the holidays?
JO: By me growing up in Chicago I always think about walking on State Street or downtown. It was amazing seeing these lights and exciting stories revealed in big department store windows. I also think about going to church. Christmas Eve service is spectacular at my church in Chicago. When I moved to Harlem in 2002 it was pretty dark during Christmas. I always thought it would be fun to bring to Harlem what I experienced in Chicago. It’s about bringing a different excitement and energy to this community.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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The column, On the “A” w/Souleo, covers the intersection of the arts, culture entertainment and philanthropy in Harlem and beyond and is written by Souleo, founder and president of arts administration company, Souleo Enterprises.