File Photo
Last year, the Open Streets program allowed New Yorkers to enjoy more vibrant public space at over 150 locations that covered a total of approximately 300 blocks.
By Forum Staff
City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo on Tuesday joined forces to call attention to the opportunities available for cultural organizations and community groups to host, manage, and program activities along New York City’s growing network of Open Streets. The program, which has already transformed hundreds of City streets into car-free public space open to all, encourages a range of activities that promote economic development, support schools, and provide new avenues for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community. The Open Streets application, with a first deadline of Jan. 31, can be found at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/25f86e16a93148bbb75bc42e09b720f9.
Last year, the Open Streets program allowed New Yorkers to enjoy more vibrant public space at over 150 locations that covered a total of approximately 300 blocks.
Cultural organizations are being encouraged to use Open Streets and other public spaces for events and performances. NYC DOT’s Public Space Programming initiative also assists cultural organizations with accessing spaces where they can present programming. In addition to today’s announcement at the Weeksville Heritage Center, the Department Cultural Affairs today also sent notification to the more than 1,000 groups within its network encouraging them to consider this opportunity to expand cultural access for all New Yorkers.
As Open Street partners, not-profit community groups and institutions are eligible for city funding to assist in operations and maintenance (see details below). In 2023, as the program expands further, both new and returning partners need to apply to DOT to manage Open Streets in their communities. Returning partners can complete a streamlined application by providing their 2022 application ID. New partners must submit a full application. Cultural groups can apply either to serve as a steward of their own Open Street locations they identify within their communities, or to partner with other program partners to provide programming on existing Open Streets locations. For Open Streets launching on or before June 30, 2023, the application deadline is Jan. 31, 2023. For Open Streets launching after June 30, the deadline is April 14, 2023.
NYC DOT Funding and Public Space Equity Program
Under the leadership of the Mayor and City Council, NYC DOT is committing over $5 million in annual funding to community partners for operations and maintenance of Open Streets. The funding is scalable based on the size and scale of an Open Street, as well as equity goals set forth by the NYC Streets Plan. To receive funding, community partners must be a not-for-profit. Through its contractors, NYC DOT can offer a full suite of operational and maintenance services for up to 30 high need Open Streets locations. Community partners do not need to apply for these services and all applications will be considered to receive them. Sites are chosen by considering partner capacity, as well as equity goals set forth in the NYC Streets Plan.
Public Space Programming
NYC’s Public Space Programming initiative brings activities to public spaces, such as Open Streets. The initiative offers a variety of programming that includes arts, culture, fitness, and educational experiences. NYC DOT has created a catalogue of Public Space Programming providers that are available to activate Open Streets, plazas, and other public spaces. Community groups and cultural organizations should visit Public Space Programming for more information and to explore the catalogue.
