One thought on “Problem Memorandum on Insufficient Affordable Long-Term Workspace for NYC Performing Artists”
Hi Adrienne! As I read your memo it reminded me on one of the most exciting and unique factors about New York City, which makes it stand out from all others around the world, its Art. First of all lets start with the city’s skyscraper skyline, it in itself is Art. This city prides itself on the Arts and the opportunities that it has to provide and present. I found it to be disappointing that the city does not give some kind of leeway to Performance Companies and Artists for affordable long-term workspace and housing, and instead encouraging an influx of expensive condominiums and fast-food chains within cultural and historic neighborhoods. As you proved this point with your following statement, ” But without permanent homes, the key players in these potential benefits – the Artists – are constantly moving and are unable to focus on a long-term commitment to a neighborhood. Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a prime example of this. What was once a home to a thriving artist community which took advantage of cheap rent, vacant warehouse space, and proximity to Manhattan, Williamsburg is now populated with unaffordable high-rise condominiums, and chain stores such as Subway, Starbucks, and Duane Reade to the extent that the neighborhood is relatively unrecognizable compared to what it looked like a decade ago.” I have found that historical areas throughout Manhattan, especially Harlem and Brooklyn, are facing these issues the most. If artists cannot afford housing, due to lack of funds within their pay because their work-spaces are on a decline, how can “the arts” stay alive. Your memo provided essential and convincing evidence to backup your proposition on Insufficient Affordable Long-Term Workspace for NYC Performing Artists.
Hi Adrienne! As I read your memo it reminded me on one of the most exciting and unique factors about New York City, which makes it stand out from all others around the world, its Art. First of all lets start with the city’s skyscraper skyline, it in itself is Art. This city prides itself on the Arts and the opportunities that it has to provide and present. I found it to be disappointing that the city does not give some kind of leeway to Performance Companies and Artists for affordable long-term workspace and housing, and instead encouraging an influx of expensive condominiums and fast-food chains within cultural and historic neighborhoods. As you proved this point with your following statement, ” But without permanent homes, the key players in these potential benefits – the Artists – are constantly moving and are unable to focus on a long-term commitment to a neighborhood. Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a prime example of this. What was once a home to a thriving artist community which took advantage of cheap rent, vacant warehouse space, and proximity to Manhattan, Williamsburg is now populated with unaffordable high-rise condominiums, and chain stores such as Subway, Starbucks, and Duane Reade to the extent that the neighborhood is relatively unrecognizable compared to what it looked like a decade ago.” I have found that historical areas throughout Manhattan, especially Harlem and Brooklyn, are facing these issues the most. If artists cannot afford housing, due to lack of funds within their pay because their work-spaces are on a decline, how can “the arts” stay alive. Your memo provided essential and convincing evidence to backup your proposition on Insufficient Affordable Long-Term Workspace for NYC Performing Artists.