2017/18
THE PEOPLE’S LES: a collaborative project with FABnyc
We’re working with partners across the Lower East Side to create an online platform for a ‘people’s history’ of our community, to be launched in February 2018. As part of the project, we are commissioning artist Raul Ayala to develop a new mural in our rear yard which reflects a history of East 4th Street and co-hosting a series of public dialogues on collaborations between artists and community organizers.
Native Art Department International in residence through June 30, in a collaborative program with FABnyc
Youth | Arts | Activism Commission & Residency
Proposals due February 21
Arts projects that engage youth and address a social justice issue can apply to our new residency. Residency period: March 1 – June 30; includes $3500 commissioning fee.
More info and application form HERE
Performance / Social Justice Residencies
Proposals due March 10
Downtown Art will host three one-week residencies in spring 2018. Residency weeks will be: May 7 – 13, June 4-10, and June 25-July 1. Each residency includes one week in our black box theater for rehearsal, tech, up to three public presentations, and a $500 fee. Projects should address a social justice issue and include opportunities for dialogue with attendees.
More info and application form HERE
LES People Power: A collaboration with Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES), LESReady!, and artists Raul Ayala and Antigona Gonzalez
Lower East Side History Month – Downtown Art is co-founder and co-chair of LES History Month, which will take place for the 5th year in May 2018. Special events during the month which we lead include LES Stories / Chalking the LES: a large scale community event to chalk the history of the LES on its streets and LES Community Hero Awards: recognizes residents and workers whose contribution to the community are not widely known – our ‘unsung’ heros
LITTLE ROCK Project: In September, Downtown Art and Immigrant Movement International had an exchange between our youth artists and theirs
Other Projects & Events
- Downtown Art is working closely with FABnyc – and as part of that partnership is hosting FABnyc workshops, programs, and staff at 70 East 4th Street.
- GUEST ARTISTS: We provide affordable rehearsal and performance space for artists addressing social justice issues
- COMMUNITY SPACE: free or low cost space for community organizers hosting meetings and events; recent organizers include Cooper Square Committee, Artists Creating Real Equity (ACRE), Babies Don’t Belong in Boxes,
- DANCE BLOCK – A FABnyc program: Downtown Art participates in this affordable rehearsal space program for dance artists
- Workshops on music recording and editing for DTA ‘Grad’ artists by Michael Hickey