Cultivating Neighborhood Networks

NOCD-NY was born in the wake of the 2009 economic crisis, when a national group of artists, educators, activists, and policymakers came together to develop an affirmative framework and compelling vision for how arts and culture can be integrated in community recovery and transformation. In response, we helped refine the concept of naturally occurring cultural districts (NOCDs)—local clusters of creative assets that are organic, dynamic, and responsive to the unique contexts of their communities.

In 2023, as we approached our 15th anniversary, we reached out to longstanding partners to explore the question: How do the networks and cultural hubs that make up NOCDs strengthen cultural ecosystems and further social impacts in communities as they recover and transform post-pandemic?

To answer the question, our Cultivating Neighborhood Networks project created an annotated bibliography with resources, formed a peer learning cohort, carried out participatory action research (PAR) in five NYC neighborhoods, gathered key learnings, shared recommendations, updated our power mapping tool, and began designing an online community network map.

Neighborhood Projects

Learn about participatory action research (PAR) in five NYC neighborhoods:

Key Learnings

We learned how artists and cultural ecologies are part of community networks and how these networks further social justice, shift narratives, and reshape power dynamics. We learned what makes networks flourish and how self-determined infrastructure can support their natural growth. We affirmed through our project the importance of grounding research in shared values, uplifting community leadership and expertise, and creating mutually beneficial peer learning opportunities.  Read our key learnings here.

Community Network Map

In an effort to better visualize community culture and cross sector collaboration in our city, we have partnered with Greater than the Sum to begin developing a dynamic network map. Goals include raising visibility, facilitating relationships and peer learning, sharing resources, and supporting organizing and advocacy. A working group of our peers are helping develop survey questions and guide the process.

Recommendations

Our recommendations engage the power of arts and culture to further New York City’s ability to heal and transform. They reflect the wisdom, imagination, and stories of community cultural organizations, artists, and neighborhood residents across the city.

Essay on Community Hubs

Culture is Like Water—It Always Finds the Low Ground First, an essay by project advisor Masoom Moitra, reflects on community hubs, belonging and anti-displacement strategies.

Peer Learning Cohort

Our peer learning cohort included PAR partners Hatuey Ramos-Fermín and Carey Clark, THE POINT CDC; Dr. Frances Lucerna, Clara Parker, Asenhat Gomez, Dani Castillo, and research consultant Sara Devic, El Puente; Ryan Gilliam, FABnyc; Emily Ahn Levy and Roohi Choudhry, Kensington research consultants; advisors amalia deloney, Tamara Greenfield, Karen Mack, Masoom Moitra and Rosten Woo; and Caron Atlas and Tom Oesau, NOCD-NY. The learning cohort met four times and participated in our Reimagining NYC Citywide Forum.

Support

Reimagining New York City: Cultivating Community Networks was supported by the Mellon Foundation. Related public programming was supported in part by public funds from NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, City Councilmember Shahana Hanif, New York State Council on the Arts, and NYC Department of Transportation.