HOW DO WE PLAY? exploring the art of play through community event series

Founded in 2022 by curator and community organizer Rebecca Lipsitch, HOW DO WE PLAY? is a New York City–based initiative that investigates the transformative power of play within modern society. Operating as both an event series and a growing collective, the organization addresses critical issues such as the loneliness epidemic, social isolation, and the erosion of collective trust. HOW DO WE PLAY? creates curated environments—including multimedia exhibitions, live performances, and interactive activations—where artists, scientists, scholars, and community members can engage in low-stakes, joyful interactions. These events often feature diverse activities such as cocoon swings, claw machines, and immersive playground installations, designed to evoke the spontaneity of recess and reclaim shared humanity. The project's ethos is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Dutch historian Johan Huizinga and other scholars who view play as a cornerstone of human culture and freedom. By positioning play not as an escape, but as a revolutionary tool for prototyping better futures, HOW DO WE PLAY? has successfully engaged over 45 international artists and hundreds of participants across New York City, particularly in Brooklyn. Notable collaborations include projects with developmental psychologists and public art organizations, further establishing the initiative as a bridge between creative expression and social research. Through its work, the organization hopes to recreate the essence of what it means to be human through spontaneous and intimate connection.