New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, made a unique and engaging appearance at the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens on Sunday, December 14. In an event titled “The Mayor is Listening,” Mamdani spent 12 hours meeting with around 140 visitors for brief one-on-one conversations, inspired by Marina Abramović’s iconic performance piece, “The Artist is Present.”
The event was a chance for Mamdani to connect directly with his constituents and hear their concerns and feedback before his inauguration as mayor. Participants were able to reserve three-minute slots with Mamdani through an Instagram video announcement, and the conversations were closed to the press to encourage open and honest dialogue. However, passersby could observe the interactions through a window from outside the museum.
Accompanying Mamdani at the event were incoming First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan, incoming Chief of Staff Elle Bisgaard-Church, and Transition Committee Co-chair Lina Khan. Together, they engaged with city residents and museum visitors, fostering a sense of community and accessibility.
Visitors were also encouraged to write and display postcards for Mamdani and his team, adding a personal touch to the event. Additionally, the Yemeni cafe chain Qahwah House, where Mamdani and his wife had their first date, provided free cups of chai to attendees.
Beyond “The Mayor is Listening,” Mamdani has been a strong advocate for arts accessibility in New York City. As a New York State Assembly member representing Astoria and Long Island City, he has supported programs like the museum’s free multi-language educational tours and hosted a Cultural Institutions Group meeting at MoMI.
Overall, “The Mayor is Listening” was a successful and innovative way for Mamdani to engage with the community and demonstrate his commitment to open communication and accessibility in his upcoming role as mayor of New York City.
