Councilman David Yassky is teaming up with the Open Space Alliance in announcing the first meeting of a brand new North Brooklyn Public Art Coalition on Februrary 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Brooklyn Brewery. An effort to better organize the underdeveloped state of (legitimate) public art, this public meeting kicks off with the "incredible opportunity" to paint the 30-foot-by-300-foot wall at the site of developer Dean Palin's 40-story residential tower in Greenpoint.
Yassky saw the blank wall at the development site as a great opportunity for a public mural, says press secretary Danny Kanner. Palin was apparently very happy to offer his wall, as it can only help his image. This recalls the Toll Brother's usage of their blank wall near their Gowanus Development to display a local artist's mural. The full letter Yassky sent to Gowanus Lounge can be found here.
Despite Williamburg, Bushwick, and Greenpoint's reputation as a haven for artists, these neighborhoods are underrepresented by art organizations and have been lacking in devoted art development programs, unlike down in Park Slope and other "South Brooklyn" areas. The goal of creating this group is to promote a greater amount of public art in the area, something Yassky feels is lacking. However, his office would not comment about the ubiquitous graffiti on display for the public in Williamsburg, such as the corners of N. 3rd and Wythe Ave.
Still, they plan to work with Percent for Arts, the Urban Art Program, and Art in the Parks to give area artists the tools for recommending and establishing good (and legal) locations for public art, not to mention procuring funding.
"We know the opportunities are out there," says Rami Metal, a representative of Mr. Yassky's office.
