Warm Up (event)

Warm Up (event) is an acclaimed outdoor summer music series held at the MoMA PS1 contemporary art center in Long Island City, Queens. Launched in 1998, the event has become a seminal fixture in the New York City cultural calendar, merging cutting-edge musical performances with avant-garde art and architecture. It is renowned for its innovative integration of the annual Young Architects Program winning design, which provides a unique, site-specific installation that serves as the event's central stage and social hub. The series consistently features an eclectic, forward-thinking lineup spanning electronic, hip-hop, experimental, and global music, attracting thousands of attendees each weekend.

Overview

Organized by MoMA PS1, an affiliate of the Museum of Modern Art, Warm Up (event) transforms the museum's courtyard into a vibrant, day-long social and artistic gathering every Saturday from late June through early September. The event's core identity is its symbiotic relationship with contemporary architecture, courtesy of The Museum of Modern Art's Young Architects Program, a competition that challenges emerging architects to design a temporary urban landscape for the space. This architectural centerpiece not only provides shade and seating but also actively engages with the sonic and social dynamics of the performances. The programming philosophy emphasizes discovery and diversity, showcasing a carefully curated mix of internationally recognized headliners alongside breakthrough artists from the underground scenes of Brooklyn, Berlin, London, and beyond, thereby solidifying its reputation as a crucial platform for the evolution of global dance music culture.

History

Warm Up (event) was inaugurated in 1998 under the directorship of Alanna Heiss, founder of MoMA PS1, as an initiative to activate the museum's outdoor spaces and engage a broader, younger audience. Its early years aligned with the rise of electronic music's popularity in North America and established the event as a key destination within the New York City nightlife ecosystem. A pivotal evolution occurred in 2000 with the integration of the Young Architects Program, first won by SHoP Architects, which permanently fused architectural innovation with the musical experience. Throughout its history, the series has mirrored and often anticipated major shifts in music, providing early United States exposure to genres like UK garage, dubstep, and techno while surviving challenges like the post-September 11 attacks climate and the COVID-19 pandemic, the latter of which prompted a temporary hiatus before a successful return.

Format and activities

The typical Warm Up (event) runs from afternoon into evening, featuring multiple DJs and live acts performing on stages seamlessly incorporated into the annual architectural installation. The format encourages exploration, with attendees interacting with the structure's various levels, water features, and shaded areas while experiencing the music. Beyond the primary musical programming, the event leverages its institutional setting by offering attendees access to the current exhibitions within MoMA PS1, blurring the lines between gallery and party. Food and beverage offerings often highlight local Queens vendors, and the overall environment fosters a communal, festival-like atmosphere distinct from typical club venues. This holistic approach to the event format has been widely emulated by cultural institutions worldwide, including the Barbican Centre and the Sydney Opera House.

Notable participants

The Warm Up (event) stage has hosted a legendary roster of artists who have defined modern music. Pioneering electronic acts like Daft Punk, who performed in 2006, and Aphex Twin have graced the courtyard, alongside seminal figures in hip-hop such as M.I.A. and Kendrick Lamar. Iconic DJs and producers including Four Tet, Nicolas Jaar, and the BBC Radio 1 resident Benji B have delivered celebrated sets. The lineup frequently spotlights influential collectives and labels, with performances by members of the Warehouse Project in Manchester, artists from the Hyperdub label, and stars of the South African amapiano scene. This curation has made it a critical stop for artists on the rise, many of whom have ascended to headline major festivals like Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Glastonbury Festival after their Warm Up appearances.

Cultural impact

Warm Up (event) has exerted a profound influence on the intersection of art, music, and urban culture, serving as a model for how museums can dynamically engage with contemporary life. Its support for the Young Architects Program has launched the careers of firms like The Living (design studio) and Shohei Shigematsu of OMA (architecture firm), with installations later featured at the Venice Biennale. The series has been extensively covered by media outlets such as The New York Times, Pitchfork (website), and The Guardian, cementing its status as an institution. By providing a consistent, curated platform for experimental music within the institutional framework of The Museum of Modern Art, Warm Up has played an indispensable role in legitimizing and documenting the evolution of electronic and global bass music within the United States cultural canon, influencing the programming of events from Art Basel to the Broad Museum in Los Angeles.

Category:Recurring events established in 1998 Category:Music festivals in New York City Category:Summer events in the United States