By Carrie Ann Trubenstein, Constructive Partnerships Unlimited (CP Unlimited)
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The sign-up sheet sits on a wrinkled piece of loose-leaf paper near the bar, names written in every direction. A few performers tune guitars while others rehearse poems under their breath. There is laughter, the clink of glasses, and that familiar mix of nerves and excitement. For those who frequent open mics, this is a familiar weeknight scene to meet other artists and share something new or play a favorite cover. Yet events like these are more than just performances; they are opportunities to build community, connect through creativity, and celebrate shared expression.
CP Unlimited (CPU) is committed to making sure everyone has access to those spaces. That belief inspired Together We Shine, an inclusive open-mic series that brings artists with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) together to share their voices and talents in authentic community settings. Inclusion, for CPU, is not only about access but about agency. Every person deserves the opportunity to take chances, express themselves, and grow through new experiences.
CPU has hosted two Together We Shine events in Staten Island; both held outside certified program settings to encourage genuine community participation. Each open mic features an equal mix of performers from the I/DD community and the broader arts scene. Musicians, poets, comedians, and storytellers connect through creativity rather than circumstance. Partnerships with local venues have been essential, particularly with The Flagship Brewing Company, a well-known Staten Island brewery recognized for supporting community events. Taking inclusion a step further, Together We Shine recently featured a performance by Our Own Yokos, a popular local band that donated their time and talent to the event. Their lively set brought audience members and performers together on the dance floor, creating a shared experience that underscored the event’s spirit of community.
CPU’s inaugural open mic earlier this year welcomed the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Commissioner Willow Baer who shared:
“CP Unlimited’s Together We Shine Open Mic Night was an absolute joy to attend and be a part of. Every person, including people with developmental disabilities, deserves the opportunity to express themselves, to be seen, and to be celebrated for who they are. This event is a powerful reminder that accessibility and inclusion are essential in the arts and in every corner of our society.”
Ordering a drink, chatting with strangers about music, or waiting in line for the restroom are all moments most people move through without thought. Yet these ordinary interactions represent participation and belonging, the foundation of community life that cannot be recreated within program walls. The series has also fostered collaboration across organizations. Performers supported by CP Unlimited have connected with peers from other agencies, forming friendships that extend beyond the stage. Staff, families, and participants who rarely cross paths have met through these events, helping to strengthen the broader network of providers and advocates in the I/DD field.
Among the evening’s performers, the AVSP Community Center Choir from A Very Special Place, Inc. has become a highlight of each open mic. The 17-member choir refers to the event as their chance to “go on tour,” and their performances remain a favorite among audiences.
“Having events outside of our program sites is so important for many reasons. They provide an opportunity for agencies to connect with other professionals in the field and a chance for these individuals to showcase their talents and personalities. At the end of the day, we are all on the same team, working to strengthen this field and make it better than it was yesterday.” said AVSP Program Director Michael Hartnett.
Research shows that engagement in the arts supports neurological development, emotional regulation, and mental well-being. For individuals with I/DD, creative expression can improve communication, build confidence, and foster a sense of identity and pride. Performing or simply being part of an audience can reduce isolation and offer a meaningful outlet for self-expression.
CPU plans to expand Together We Shine into other New York City boroughs, partnering with additional neighborhood venues to continue breaking down barriers and building inclusion through the arts. The open mics are the foundation of what CPU hopes will become a citywide accessible arts series, featuring performances, exhibits, and showcases across the state.
Community is central to every person’s ability to live a meaningful life. At its core, Together We Shine reflects that truth. It is about participation, creativity, and the courage to share one’s voice. When everyone has the opportunity to step up to the microphone, our communities shine brighter together.