IN THE NEWS

Source: Stupid Dope

In a powerful alignment of culture, creativity, and community uplift, The Apollo and acclaimed artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Kwanza Jones have announced Culture In Motion™, a national roadshow launching in January 2026. Revealed on Giving Tuesday, this groundbreaking initiative extends The Apollo’s nearly 100-year legacy across the United States, with programming designed to bring the arts directly into communities, amplify voices, and empower the next generation of changemakers.

Spearheaded by the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative and driven by the experiential engine of the SUPERCHARGED® Boost Bus™, the roadshow redefines how cultural institutions engage local neighborhoods. With a multi-million dollar commitment and a model rooted in impact, creativity, and access, Culture In Motion represents a new chapter in the Apollo’s ongoing mission to inspire, educate, and uplift through the arts.

A Vision Beyond Capital

At the heart of this national initiative is the Jones•Feliciano Initiative’s Producing Partner Program, an innovative framework that does more than provide funding. With The Apollo selected as the inaugural institutional partner following a competitive review process, this partnership delivers not only financial support but also strategic, creative, and operational collaboration. The initiative’s Impact Multiplier™ model provides long-term tools for sustainability by enhancing institutional capacity, expanding cultural access, and catalyzing meaningful change.

“Funding is the starting point, not the finish line,” said Kwanza Jones, co-founder of the Jones•Feliciano Initiative. “This is about multiplying impact. We’re investing in institutions and people with purpose, and The Apollo is the gold standard.”

Bringing Culture to the People

At the center of the Culture In Motion experience is the SUPERCHARGED® Boost Bus™, a custom-designed mobile cultural hub that brings The Apollo’s legacy—live performances, creative workshops, empowerment experiences, and the energy of its legendary Amateur Night—straight to local neighborhoods. It’s not just a vehicle. It’s a vessel for transformation.

This initiative is about meeting communities where they are. Whether it’s a school auditorium, a public plaza, or a cultural center, the Boost Bus brings artistry, storytelling, and opportunity directly to the people, eliminating barriers and opening doors.

Four Pillars of Cultural Engagement

The Culture In Motion tour is structured around four programming pillars that bridge The Apollo’s historic foundation with future-forward innovation:

• Arts Access: Live shows, curated showcases, and Apollo-style performances bring dynamic, high-quality arts programming to local audiences.
• Community Engagement: Collaborations with local schools, grassroots organizations, and cultural institutions strengthen local ties and empower creative ecosystems.
• Empowerment: Activations designed to encourage innovation, fuel creativity, and inspire action through storytelling and experiential learning.
• Legacy & Innovation: Programming that honors the Apollo’s storied past while embracing new technologies, digital platforms, and emerging voices.

By merging legacy with bold design thinking, the roadshow promotes a dynamic reimagining of cultural equity and accessibility.

From Harlem to the Nation

The national tour officially launches with a community send-off at The Apollo in Harlem in January 2026. It will then begin its first leg in California during Grammy Week, visiting:

• Los Angeles, CA
• Long Beach, CA
• Inglewood, CA
• San Diego, CA
• Santa Clara, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Oakland, CA
• Sacramento, CA

From there, the roadshow will continue across the country, making stops in major cultural centers and campuses including Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Washington D.C., and additional cities to be announced. Plans are underway to expand internationally in early 2027.

This cross-country tour is a celebration of American creativity and a reminder that powerful cultural experiences should not be limited to iconic venues. As Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO of The Apollo, explains, “Through Culture In Motion, we are bringing the heart of The Apollo directly to the people. This is about access, connection, and opportunity.”

A Groundbreaking Partnership

The roadshow is co-produced by The Apollo and SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones, an empowerment media and creative studio known for high-energy experiences that catalyze confidence and action. Together, they are blending legacy with future-facing innovation, creating programming that uplifts while it inspires.

Joy Profet, Chief Growth Officer of The Apollo, emphasizes the significance of the partnership: “What’s groundbreaking here is the scale. The Apollo has never done anything like this in its 91-year history. As we approach our centennial, this roadshow is a transformational part of our global strategy. It ensures our legacy reaches beyond our walls.”

The partnership reflects the broader mission of Giving Tuesday—a global day centered on generosity, service, and community support. In that spirit, Culture In Motion invites individuals, organizations, and communities to take part in a movement that redefines cultural access and participation.

Get Involved

Communities, cultural institutions, and local leaders interested in bringing the Culture In Motion experience to their neighborhood are encouraged to learn more and apply via BoostBus.com. From co-hosting activations to joining the creative movement online, there are numerous ways to get involved.

As Kwanza Jones shared, “My Apollo story started on the Amateur Night stage. That moment changed my life. Now, we’re bringing that kind of transformation to communities everywhere. Everyone deserves a stage, a story, and a boost.”