The People’s Forum (TPF) is a political education and cultural center. By utilizing methods of popular education, TPF aims to support and provide space for movements and organizations to build unity across historic lines of division here and abroad.
Using space at The People’s Forum to hold public or private events, classes, meetings or workshops is for member organizations and associated organizations that align with our values and mission.
We DO NOT host or provide space for events to any organization that promotes or condones racism, sexism, or capitalism/imperialism.
Want to hold an event at The People’s Forum? All of our spaces are named after revolutionaries. Click on each space to see its offerings, and get in touch to see what availability we have. We are open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-9pm. Please submit requests that are within our days and hours of operation.
Violeta Parra Stage
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Capacity: 220 standing, 150 seated Features: Livestream, Video-conferencing, Whiteboard, Stage with lighting, Full audiovisual capacities with microphones and audio mixing Ideal for Large in-person meetings, panel discussions, conferences, cultural performances, and vendors markets
Michael Ratner Classroom
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Capacity: 45 Features: Video-conferencing for hybrid in-person and online meetings; Upon special request: whiteboard, live streaming, can be combined with Josina Muthemba Machel Classroom to accommodate a larger group Ideal for in-person meetings, classes, and workshops
Josina Muthemba Machel Classroom
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Capacity: 35 Features: Video-conferencing for hybrid in-person and online meetings; 65” TV screen for displaying presentations, videos, media Upon special request: whiteboard, live streaming, can be combined with Michael Ratner room to accommodate a larger group Ideal for in-person meetings, classes, and workshops
Claudia Jones Seminar Room
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Capacity: 20 Features: Video-conferencing, 65” TV screen for displaying presentations, videos, media Upon special request: whiteboard, live streaming Ideal for small meetings and classes
General Baker Seminar Room
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Capacity: 20 Features: Video-conferencing, 65” TV screen for displaying presentations, videos, media Upon special request: whiteboard, live streaming Ideal for small meetings and classes
Paul Robeson Theater
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Capacity: 50
Features: Theater style seating, large projection screen
Ideal for film and documentary screenings
Elizabeth Catlett Art Space
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Capacity: 35
Features: Darkroom, pressure washer for cleaning art supplies, sink, Video-conferencing, 65” TV screen for displaying presentations, videos, media, basic art supplies, button-maker, printing press
Ideal for art builds, poster making, screen printing, and multimedia use
Ida B. Wells Media Lab
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Capacity: 10 Features: Sound-treated recording room, control room with AV equipment, wall-mounted paper backdrop holder, miscellaneous grip equipment Ideal for podcast recording, interviews, videos
Frequently asked questions
How much are the rooms?
Our rates for reserving rooms and spaces in The People’s Forum vary by organizational budget. For more information, please contact operations@peoplesforum.org
What types of technology and audio visual are available?
You can view the types of equipment available by clicking on each of the spaces above. We are able to provide video-conferencing, microphones, film-screening, live streaming and so on. Once you submit an event request form below, one of our staff members will contact you within 1-2 business days and will provide information on our technical capacities and if we are able to support all the technological and logistical needs of your event.
Is TPF able to help with making promotional flyers?
If our capacity allows, we can help create promotional material for member organizations, specifically those who don’t have the resources to do so. Please include the request in the form and we will notify you if we are able to support you with promotions.
Can we order catering for our events? Is there food and drinks?
It is important to feed our people! Our People’s Cafe provides delicious drinks and food during our open hours. Did you know, you can also order catering with them? You can email them at cafe@peoplesforum.org. We are located in midtown New York so there are many food options around as well.
Is The People's Forum wheel-chair accessible?
We have an elevator that goes to our mezzanine floor as well as lower level. Please don’t hesitate to talk to our front desk staff if you need any assistance! We also have gender-neutral bathrooms that are wheelchair friendly.
What are the set-up and cleanup protocols?
Organizations booking the space should include setup and cleanup time in their booking request. We have tables and chairs available and we can help you arrange them for your event. As a shared community space, we all do our part to keep things nice and tidy and groups using the space are expected to leave things as they found them. Thank you for keeping our space sustainable for many years to come!
Is childcare or language interpretation available for events?
We recognize that many working-class people have families and we welcome children at our events. Political education is for all ages! While we don’t have a designated area or staff for childcare, we can connect you with childcare collectives to provide on-site assistance if that is needed.
In true internationalist spirit, there are many languages spoken at the People’s Forum and we have many bilingual (or even trilingual) events! We have interpretation equipment and we can help connect organizations with movement translators to assist with events, particularly with Spanish/Portuguese/English accessibility.