Rooted In NYC

A GAMIFIED COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

Made By New Yorkers, For New Yorkers

A Digital Third Space for NYC Creatives

In New York City, creativity isn’t just craft—it fuels our purpose and powers community.

Many creatives have the ideas and passion but lack access to the network, resources, and tools to turn that into lasting work, community, and impact.

What the city really needs isn’t more gigs. It needs a creative infrastructure built for impact: a platform that channels individual imagination into community-led projects, cultural innovation, and meaningful progress.

That’s what Rooted In NYC is doing: we're rebuilding the missing stage by connecting creators, audiences, and civic collaborators across NYC’s neighborhoods—through a dynamic, digital-meets-real-world creative ecosystem.

Why Join?

Collaborate for Impact, Not Just Exposure
Take part in city‑focused creative challenges, public‑art activations, community‑based projects, focus groups, and mastermind‑style collaborations. These aren’t just gigs—they’re collective efforts rooted in local history, voices, and values.
Get Support & Access Resources
Gain access to production help, promotional support, funding pathways, and partnerships with civic organizations, nonprofits, and local institutions— everything you need to realize ambitious projects beyond your personal network.
Amplify Your Work & Visibility
Have your events, projects, or creative activations featured on our platform— putting your work in front of audiences, partners, and brands that care about culture, community, and impact.
Earn Recognition Beyond Likes
When your creativity builds community, you’re rewarded with more than applause: influence, visibility, and real perks that recognize your contributions to NYC’s cultural fabric.

How It Works

Step 1: Join the Circle
Sign up and become a member of the platform—whether you're a visual artist, performer, writer, designer, cultural worker, or social‑impact creator.
Step 2: Join Challenges & Citywide Creative Experiences
Participate in curated challenges, events, collaborations, community meet‑ups, projects, or creative activations—both online and across the city—designed to elevate your craft and expand your audience.
Step 3: Turn Engagement into Exposure, Community & Rewards
Use the points you and your supporters earn—and the connections you build—to unlock event access, collaborative opportunities, visibility, and perks tailored for creators living in the city.

Challenges Include:

Write a “green‑themed” piece—a poem, joke, skit, or piece of art—and share it live or online.
Create or join a mic night, open‑studio, or community event—maybe with a twist (entry could be a recyclable item, a donation, or a shared idea).
Post a short (30‑second) clip connecting your craft to city life, wellness, culture, or what it means to live in NYC.
Participate in community events—clean‑ups, neighborhood gatherings, cultural pop‑ups—and bring your creative flair: add music, visuals, spoken word, performance, or art.

Ready To Power Your Purpose?

We made a digital third space where your creative talent translates into real support for community, culture, and collective wellness. The game is easy: participate in online and offline challenges, conversations, and activities that unlock real-world perks and prizes—discounts, event access, or special giveaways that celebrate culture, community, and impact.

JOIN THE NETWORK

How Can Our Online World Serve To Make the Actual One A Better Place?

That's the question we asked ourselves when we set out to build this platform. We searched for ways to turn every day into an opportunity to support local businesses, communities and initiatives that foster growth and well-being for residents of New York City. That's how we came to design a gamified experience that rewards you for participating in real, tangible ways.

LEARN MORE

Where Do Proceeds Go?

40% Goes Back To The Community

This includes local projects, resources, and initiatives that you get to experience directly. This reinvestment strengthens community resilience and creates impact where it’s needed most.

10% Goes To Charity

This portion is donated directly to local charities that our members help decide on, ensuring support flows to causes that make a difference. It’s one more way Rooted In NYC turns collaboration into real, measurable impact across the city.

50% Goes To Staffing & Operations

This share covers fair wages, professional development, and the tools our staff and contractors need to bring this project to life. It also sustains essential operations so our work can continue year-round.