Public Space + Culture

photo credit: Hatuey Ramos-Fermín, c/o NOCD-NY.

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, we took our learning to the street and open spaces…specifically to La Plaza at The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center. We asked ourselves: How do we envision the future of arts and culture in public space? 

Covid-19 pushed everyone outdoors. From dining and cultural celebrations to protests, we activated our public spaces in ways we have not seen in a long time. Reflecting on our time outside in community, New Yorkers convened at La Plaza for a moment to reflect on and exchange about how cultural groups and hubs are activating, reappropriating, and reimagining parks, plazas, and open streets, and to further imagine what our public spaces can be.

This event was part of Reimagining New York City, a citywide series of visioning sessions and exchanges to incorporate the wisdom, imagination, and creative practices of community cultural organizations, artists, and neighborhood residents in decision making and transformative change.

Reimagining New York City is supported by The New York Community Trust, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council, and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.