NY Liberty: Light it Up

An interactive mural experience hosted by Thrive Collective helped basketball fans celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month when the New York Liberty played the Connecticut Sun on Saturday, May 27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. “Light It Up,” a mural painted on the main concourse during the team’s second annual AAPI Heritage Game, was one of several themed activations hosted by the Liberty throughout the afternoon.

May Bukowski, a teaching artist with Thrive Collective, said the “Light It Up” theme honored and celebrated the vastness of the Asian American diaspora. The background of the mural featured a fire breathing dragon, illuminating the Liberties torch, a symbol of igniting a bright future.

“The dragon’s dynamic presence represents both power and good fortune,” May said. “This mural showcases iconic landmarks from a diverse array of Asian countries, a tribute to the community’s varied origins and rich cultural diversity. Through this artwork, we aimed to capture the unity, strength, and resilience within the community, serving as a sign of empowerment for those who contributed their brushstrokes to its creation!”

The Liberty capped off the celebration of AAPI heritage with a 81-65 victory over the Sun.

May Bukowski and Thrive Collective were cited in a press release sent out by the New York Liberty prior to the game. Read the full release here.