Current Projects

DTA PROGRAM OVERVIEW

New Commissions and Residencies are on hold as Downtown Art is working with Fourth Arts Block (FAB) to create a working partnership.  More to come! 

Space Share:  Affordable rehearsal and performance space for artists developing projects with a social justice orientation.

Community Space grants:  Limited number of space grants available to cultural and community nonprofits for gatherings and public events.

RECENT PROJECTS

Raul Ayala Mural Commission in collaboration with FABnyc, to connect indigenous perspectives on climate change and culture in South and North America.  (postponed due to COVID-19)

NO HOUSING NO PEACE, a co-production with FABnyc, directed by Ryan Gilliam, based on first hand account of the Tompkins Square Riots, addresses policing, homelessness, and the function of public space. (postponed due to COVID-19)

MESSAGES TO GO by Hatuey Ramos-Fermin, installation in collaboration with FABnyc; connected to supporting small business survival in the Lower East Side (December 2019-March 2020.)

THE PEOPLE’S LES: a collaborative project with FABnyc, which includes annual celebrations of Lower East Side History Month (originally organized by Downtown Art and FABnyc), which celebrates a ‘people’s history’ of our community.  Check out the online platform at www.peoplesles.org for upcoming events.

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, the LES Community Hero Awards:  recognizes residents and workers whose contribution to the community are not widely known – our ‘unsung’ heros, and the State of the LES: a community dialogue on where we are and the future we want to shape.

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.
  • DANCE BLOCK – A FABnyc program:  Downtown Art participates in this affordable rehearsal space program for dance artists