Queens culture cash

 

 QNS

Leaders from several Queens cultural institutions gathered together on Aug. 10 at the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, where NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo announced $4.5 million in capital funding to support the restoration and renovation of Isamu Noguchi’s Studio.

The project will allow public access for the first time in the museum’s history and preserve the living spaces designed by Noguchi, new amenities for visitors, as well as the construction of a new facility for the storage and study of its collection. As part of her ongoing five borough tour, Cumbo also detailed investment for other institutions including Queens Museum, Flux Factory, New York Hall of Science, Queens Theatre the Poppenhusen Institute, and the Queens Botanical Gardens.

“The extraordinary diversity and energy of Queens is reflected in its cultural organizations, and we’re thrilled to invest in these projects that will give local residents and visitors from all over access to the remarkable cultural facilities they deserve,” Cumbo said. “From this exciting new project at Noguchi Museum that will open up the legendary artist’s living space to the public for the first time, to the Queens Museum’s ongoing expansion, and many more — these projects are part of the city’s long-term investment in the cultural community of Queens and across all five boroughs.”

Mayor Eric Adams has invested $127 million in capital support across the five boroughs which, along with funding from the City Council and borough presidents, brings a total of more than $220 million in funding to 70 cultural groups citywide.

“I’m thrilled that the Noguchi Museum, along with many other incredible Queens cultural institutions have received this historic funding from Mayor Eric Adams,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “With the Mayor’s investment and my $3 million allocation for a new storage lab and study center, the Noguchi Museum will be able to expand and improve upon the stellar experience it offers to visitors.”

Noguchi Museum Director Brett Littman said he was grateful for the support and investment from the Adams administration and the borough president.

“Since its founding in 1985, the Noguchi Museum has presented exhibitions and programs that reach audiences throughout Queens, as well as around the world,” Littman said. “Our capital project will enable public access to Isamu Noguchi’s Studio for the first time in its history, open a new cafe and shop for visitors, and create dedicated space to preserve, protect and research Noguchi’s art and archive.

 

The city bails out artist conglomerate from being gentrified out again.

Queens Post 

The group also announced that it has purchased space in a new development that is part of the Hunters Point South mega development. It has bought space on the ground floor of the South Tower at Gotham Point, a two-tower development that is going up at 57-28 2nd St. The non-profit will be calling the space “Flux IV.”

The terms of the two deals were not disclosed.

Representatives of the Flux Factory said the purchases will help sustain the organization’s core programs, exhibitions and collaborative opportunities with other artists. The acquisitions were funded by the City, via allocations provided by Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, the Queens Borough President’s Office and the Dept. of Cultural Affairs.

Nat Roe, the executive director of Flux Factory, said the purchases represent major milestones for the non-profit since it has looked to buy its own premises for years.

Flux Factory was founded in Williamsburg in 1994 and moved to Sunnyside in 2002 due to rising costs. In 2009 the organization then moved to its 29th Street location.

“We’ve constantly faced the threat of displacement, compromising our ability to support and promote artists most effectively,” Roe said.

The Dutch Kills building is 9,000 square feet and its acquisition will ensure the non-profit continues to host its “artist-in resident” program. This program provides artists with the ability to live on site while they develop their creative work.

The space consists of 16 private studios and 8 common workspaces for art production. It also includes a 1,400 square foot gallery where residents develop art exhibitions across a wide range of disciplines such as painting, poetry, literary, spoken word and sound art. The building also includes living space.

Meanwhile, the Flux IV location will be 3,000 square feet in size and is scheduled to open next summer. It will serve as a satellite space for the organization.