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Day of Play A Free Play Space for Artists & Clowns
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What Is Day of Play?
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Day of Play is a free, play-based gathering in New York City for artists, clowns, and humans to come together and Rediscover How to Play.
Children’s games, playground logic, and disorganized sports. Balls, so many balls. We gather to explore the pleasure of storytelling, speaking beautiful poetry, moving our bodies, shouting with joy, and being seen fully as human. If there is no pleasure, we miss something. When & Where?Mondays | 7–9 PM
Houghton Hall, New York City Free & open to all Contact: [email protected] | @thehumanistproject |
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WHY PLAY MATTERSWe are all born to play. We come shooting out of the womb ready to play. The foundations of play we explored as children on the playground have lasting effects socially, emotionally, educationally, and creatively. The ways we play, and the modes of play, the amount of free play, and the amount of rough play, even have direct effects on our adult lives and how we navigate the world at large.
Everyone's play is completely unique. Play matters because it cracks us open. It invites risk, joy, failure, and connection—the foundations of clown, theater, and being human. |
Playful Curiosities
So why does adult play carry such a stigma?
Why does adult play often conjure feelings of shame, embarrassment, and irresponsibility?
Responses to adult play are often:
They are neglecting important work, responsibilities, and family!
Adult play is a privilege for those who can afford to play!
Who has time to play anymore!
Why is work and play so often seen as incompatible? What does it even mean to be playful?
In progressive education, it is often said, “A child’s work is to Play” I believe for adults, it takes work to remember why play is still necessary. Without play in our lives, our Curiosity, exploration, empathy, and innovation begin to stagnate. Rigidity of thinking starts to set in, and our ability to navigate our ever-changing world begins to crumble. Without Play, pleasure disappears.
So why does adult play carry such a stigma?
Why does adult play often conjure feelings of shame, embarrassment, and irresponsibility?
Responses to adult play are often:
They are neglecting important work, responsibilities, and family!
Adult play is a privilege for those who can afford to play!
Who has time to play anymore!
Why is work and play so often seen as incompatible? What does it even mean to be playful?
In progressive education, it is often said, “A child’s work is to Play” I believe for adults, it takes work to remember why play is still necessary. Without play in our lives, our Curiosity, exploration, empathy, and innovation begin to stagnate. Rigidity of thinking starts to set in, and our ability to navigate our ever-changing world begins to crumble. Without Play, pleasure disappears.