Citizen Arts International marks the new chapter of the New York Times–acclaimed Down to Earth Festival, led by DTE co-founder Elena Siyanko in partnership with co-directors Natalie Rine and Meg Araneo, former senior producers of DTE. The reimagined platform expands the original mission, centering civic participation, radical accessibility, and international multidisciplinary exchange across public spaces.
The festival’s debut, as Down To Earth 2025, showcased eight bold, site-responsive international works, seven works by US-based artists, and hosted two conferences — Resistance NOW, a Town Hall with Milo Rau, and In Via Publica, Performance and Public Assembly.
A LOOK BACK AT THE INAUGURAL SEASON 2025
Ancrage, LaGuardia Performing Arts Center
Soka Tira Osoa, South Street Seaport
HIT OUT!, Fort Greene Park
SANTE!, Brooklyn Commons Park
Arch, Green-Wood Cemetery
Poetic Consultations, Marcus Garvey Park
“There’s no place like Queens when it comes to art and culture. The DOWN TO EARTH Festival goes even further by partnering with community organizations to bring culture directly to our communities. I hope our families will enjoy the festivities they have planned for us.”
— Queesnboro President, Donovan Richards, Jr.
“Brooklyn in a creative engine, and innovative performances in public spaces keeps our borough at the forefront of inventiveness and accessibility. Thank you to the Graduate Center CUNY . . . for bringing public performing arts productions to our city through the DOWN TO EARTH Festival.”
— Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso
“Lower Manhattan’s streets and waterfronts are our greatest stage, and the DOWN TO EARTH Festival shows what happens when we bring world-class art back into the public square, free, open, and for everyone. Thank you to the CUNY Graduate Center . . . for democratizing culture and strengthening community.”
— City Council Member, Christopher Marie