Cuomo Announces NEW YORK ARTS REVIVAL

[Jordan Catalano]

I’m very excited to see what’s being planned

[IdinaBellFoster]

I hate to be this person, but I really hope this press release is just really bad at explaining what this program is. Yes, a major revitalization like this is needed, but these cultural institutions need more help. Especially outside of the city.

[jo]

More details from the NYTimes --

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/arts/cuomo-art-culture-plan.html?smid=tw-nytimesarts&smtyp=cur

"Mr. Cuomo said that the state would begin a public-private partnership to offer a series of statewide pop-up concerts featuring artists such as Amy Schumer, Chris Rock, Renée Fleming and Hugh Jackman; begin a pilot program exploring how socially distant performances might be held safely in flexible venues whose seating is not fixed; and work in partnership with the Mellon Foundation to distribute grants to put more than 1,000 artists back to work and provide money to community arts groups.

The governor said that the state could not wait until summer, when more people are vaccinated, to bring back performances.

The public-private partnership, New York Arts Revival, which will offer pop-up performances featuring more than 150 artists beginning Feb. 4, will be spearheaded by the producers Scott Rudin and Jane Rosenthal, along with the New York State Council on the Arts. The plan will culminate with the opening of Little Island, the parklike pier being built downtown in the Hudson River by Barry Diller, and with the Tribeca Film Festival, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in June."
 

[Sutton Ross]

Very cool. Yeah, it's easy to do this with special shows. Charge a ton of money, wear masks at all times,  have 50% capacity, provide a negative Covid test. This can work easily with huge stars. Exciting. 

[IdinaBellFoster]

Thank you! That’s got some additional information in it surrounding grants and community assistance which is great.

[jo]

Sutton Ross said: "Very cool. Yeah, it's easy to do this with special shows. Charge a ton of money, wear masks at all times, have 50% capacity, provide a negative Covid test. This can work easily with huge stars. Exciting."

Also from the NYTimes report --

"Mr. Cuomo said that he hoped to expand rapid testing, including at pop-up sites, to make it easier for people to be tested before visiting restaurants or theaters in areas with low-enough rates of the virus. He pointed to the state’s experiment last Saturday at the Buffalo Bills game, when the state tested nearly 7,000 fans."

[Sutton Ross]

Yes, a few of my friends got to go to the Bills game, and they said it was straight forward, organized, and everyone seemed really on top of things. It can absolutely work. Exciting AF! 

[ACL2006]

It does give hope for some performers to get some kind of work soon. In regards to outdoor venues, what exactly is available? Or is it too many too list?

[Jordan Levinson]

So is this basically going to be like those 5th Avenue/train station street musicians, buskers, and artists, but with more widely known personalities? Or is Cuomo really trying to reopen some indoor spaces with masked, socially distant audiences for the time being, while giving certain performers temporary work?

[uncageg]

The first venue that came to my mind was the Delacorte for the summer.

[HogansHero]

Jordan Levinson said: "So is this basically going to be like those 5th Avenue/train station street musicians, buskers, and artists, but with more widely known personalities? Or is Cuomo really trying to reopen some indoor spaces with masked, socially distant audiences for the time being, while giving certain performers temporary work?"

As stated:

"a pilot program exploring how socially distant performances might be held safely in flexible venues whose seating is not fixed"

In other words, not Broadway and not most off-B, but it is good, and will get the juices flowing.

[Call_me_jorge]

Isn’t there going to be a new outdoor theatre space available at that new floating pier park?

[SouthernCakes]

Sounds exciting! Could totally see this working with major stars and whatnot! Some hope on the horizon!

[uncageg]

Call_me_jorge said: "Isn’t there going to be a new outdoor theatre space available at that new floating pier park?"

Did you read the article? Is that what you are referring to?

 

[ACL2006]

From what I could find:

- The Delacorte

- Marcus Garvey Park/Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (Harlem)

- Capital One City Park (SummerStage)

- The Battery (Brooklyn)

- Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park

- Bryant Park

- Hudson River Park

- The Clemente

 

[uncageg]

Maybe even The Shed. It has that retractable top that slides and opens up on either side.

[Call_me_jorge]

uncageg said: "Call_me_jorge said: "Isn’t there going to be a new outdoor theatre space available at that new floating pier park?"

Did you read the article? Is that what you are referring to?

"

I was referring to the little island park, I don’t think that was mentioned in the article before I posted...

[HogansHero]

Call_me_jorge said: "I was referring to the little island park, I don’t think that was mentioned in the article before I posted..." 

no indication of a theatre there, nor would it make sense. 

 

[Call_me_jorge]

HogansHero said: "Call_me_jorge said: "I was referring to the little island park, I don’t think that was mentioned in the article before I posted..."

no indication of a theatre there, nor would it make sense.

"

It might not make sense to you, but it doesn’t mean there won’t be a theatre there.

[Sutton Ross]

no indication of a theatre there, nor would it make sense.

Correct. Funny how people comment without reading either article. 

[jo]

Sutton Ross said: "no indication of a theatre there, nor would it make sense.

Correct. Funny how people comment without reading either article."

If you view the proposed layout - not sure how the space can accommodate a theatre. At best, maybe an open air concert with people on the ground?

https://littleisland.org/

 

[Sutton Ross]

Oh, I didn't say that Jo, Hogans Hero did. My response was below that. 

[jo]

Sorry,  I just wanted to add to your comments 

Didn't do it the right way.

[jo]

Oops, Mea Culpa # 2 --

if you read through the link, there is mention of this :

"Explore the Island

The park features seating lawns, gentle slopes, and winding pathways leading to dazzling views, and a variety of spaces for performances and play as well as rest and relaxation."

It mentions "spaces for performances"

Jo

[Alexander Lamar]

This link mentions a 700 seat waterfront amphitheater and a smaller 200 seat performance space. I don’t understand why people have to be so condescending.

https://littleisland.org/perform-in-the-park-faqs/