Connecting the Dots: A Conversation with Kaija Groom
Kaija Groom, new member of the Immigrant Artist Newsletter editorial team and a staffer at the New York Immigration Coalition, speaks about the role of arts and culture in community programming, and how immigrant New Yorkers can benefit from what the New York Immigration Coalition has to offer.
Kaija Groom, the newest member of the Immigrant Artist Newsletter editorial team, wears another hat as the Community Program Manager at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). She speaks about what she hopes to accomplish through the newsletter, how she incorporates arts and culture into her programming, and the ways that immigrant artists and creators can engage with NYIC’s programs and services.
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA): Can you tell us about your role at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) and how your work supports immigrant communities across New York City?
Kaija Groom (KG): I am the NYIC’s Manager of Community Programming for NYC & Long Island, where I connect immigrant New Yorkers to essential resources and services. The NYIC advocates for policies that protect the rights of immigrant communities, and our community programming work makes these policy wins actionable.
Our community programs include resource fairs and immigration legal clinics. Our resource fairs bring together community-based organizations who provide essential resources and services. These resource fairs are one-stop shops, where people can enroll in ESL classes, receive an immigration legal screening, sign up for public benefits, connect with local community groups, and much more. Our resource fairs are hosted across NYC at public libraries, schools, community centers, parks, and other public spaces.
My current work focuses on connecting New Yorkers to free and confidential immigration legal services. I organize legal clinics where community members receive 1-on-1 consultations with lawyers who screen for immigration relief eligibility. While many resources and services are available to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, understanding what immigration legal relief is available, taking steps towards obtaining status when possible, and knowing your legal rights, regardless of immigration status, is pivotal for immigrant communities across NYC and NY state.
NYFA: How do you envision the role of arts and culture in your community programming? Why do you think it’s important, and what makes a program feel culturally relevant to the communities you serve?
KG: Organizing culturally and linguistically relevant community programs is key to building trust between service providers and immigrant communities. Programs feel culturally relevant when the communities we serve are reflected in the programs. We work with trusted partners who inform us of community needs and demographics, shaping the interpretation languages, food, and services we offer. A program in Morningside Heights will look different from one in Flushing.
In June 2025, our Sunset Park street fair brought together over 700 community members who were connected to food access, education programs, and legal services, as well as arts and culture organizations. By incorporating arts and culture in our programs, we create spaces where immigrant communities see themselves represented and celebrated, creating a sense of belonging. Through programs, we have partnered with individuals artists and arts organizations including Salsa Salsa Dance Studio, Brooklyn Fam, Ballet Folklorico Juvenil de Brooklyn, The Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts, Coolmarx, Art Retail Therapy, and Undocubougie!
NYFA: In what ways can immigrant artists and creators connect with NYIC’s programs and services? Can you share examples of past collaborations or partnerships with artists?
KG: We are always looking for new and meaningful ways to engage with immigrant artists and creators at the NYIC! If you are an immigrant artist or creative in need of services, you can learn about our upcoming Community Programs through our events calendar, and on Instagram. Our next resource fair will be in the Bronx on November 6. For questions about resources or engaging our programs as an artist, email [email protected]. If you are in need of legal services, you can call 212-627-2227, however this is not a promise of legal representation.
NY-based arts and culture organizations can become NYIC members to gain access to organizational knowledge, networking, and funding opportunities. The People’s Theatre Project, The Beam Center, and Artists-Athletes-Activists are just some of our member organizations. I encourage artists who are interested in joining mobilization efforts to connect with these organizations, join local Indivisible groups, and engage with community rapid response efforts.
In 2024, the NYIC launched our NY Proud Campaign, a narrative shift and public art campaign aimed at reaffirming the indispensable role of immigrants in shaping NYC’s identity through a collection of portraits and stories. The portraits were shot by Oscar B. Castillo, a documentary photographer and multimedia artist born in Venezuela whose work is geared towards social subjects that promote ideas of solidarity, tolerance, and respect. You can find the campaign on subway, bus, and street posters, at Photoville pop-ups, or on social media!
In Buffalo, NYIC partnered with the Partnership for the Public Good and other local organizations to organize The Home Within, a multilingual poetry event that brings together immigrant artists, poets, and community members to celebrate Buffalo’s rich linguistic tapestry and language justice. The next event will be on October 30 at the Buffalo History Museum!
NYFA: Outside of your role at NYIC, you’re also part of NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Newsletter editorial team. What inspired you to get involved, and what do you hope to accomplish through this work?
KG: I am very excited to be part of NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Newsletter editorial team! I was inspired to get involved with NYFA when I started researching graduate school programs in Arts Administration and was exploring ways to connect my work in immigration programming with the arts. I was inspired by the Immigrant Artist Program work, and Ya Yun graciously let me attend IAP events where I was able to connect with artists and learn more about the program. The IAP program is a perfect bridge between my experience in immigration programs and my interest in arts administration.
I believe art is a powerful tool for community building, and I am excited to connect immigrant artists with arts opportunities and immigration resources. My work in immigration programming informs my approach to researching and curating resources that supports immigrant artists’ well-being and art practices. I hope that through this work, I am able to support immigrant artists in accessing the resources and services they need to succeed and thrive while living in the U.S.
About New York Immigration Coalition
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is a member coalition-based organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups across New York. The NYIC works to transform the lives of all New Yorkers by strengthening and building our members’ power, organizing and educating our communities and the public, and using our collective voice to advocate for opportunity and justice. Through advocacy initiatives, policy analysis, community programming and engagement, and member support, the NYIC champions a fair, just, and representative New York State that is stronger because all people are welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams.
About Kaija Groom
Kaija Groom is a program manager and community builder based in New York City. Kaija is the Manager of Community Programming for NYC & LI at the New York Immigration Coalition, and a NYFA Consultant who contributes to the Immigrant Artist Newsletter. She is passionate about supporting immigrants, artists, and cultural workers through community building and resource sharing, as well as creating accessible and inclusive community art spaces.
– Kaija Groom, NYFA Learning Consultant, & Ya Yun Teng, Program Officer, Immigrant Artist Program
This post is part of the Immigrant Artist Program Newsletter. Subscribe to this free monthly e-mail for artist’s features, opportunities, and events. Learn more about NYFA Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program.