Members of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration checked out the installations of Sonic Gates, a sight-and-sound art walk conceptualized by borough artist Volker Goetze, in partnership with Staten Island Arts and Design Trust for Public Space.
De Blasio reps in attendance Wednesday were Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop and Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl. Their visit was part of the week-long visit "City Hall In Your Borough" initiative.
The elaborate public art display -- with eight installations in St. George, Tompkinsville and Stapleton -- is part of an umbrella initiative titled Future Culture.
"Strong neighborhoods are the backbone of our city, and the $1.54 million in investments to Staten Island through our Neighborhood 360 grant program are already going a long way towards revitalizing key commercial corridors," Commissioner Bishop said of the Future Culture programming. "By working with Staten Island Arts, we are responding to local needs to support small business growth and build more vibrant neighborhoods for all New Yorkers."
In addition to beautifying the North Shore, Staten Island Arts says the initiative advocates for "neighborhood revitalization, sustainability and equitable economic development."
Read more in Staten Island Advance.
Through the Sonic Gates sound sculpture walk featuring eight public art installation along the Bay Street corridor, visitors and Staten Islanders can explore the North Shore waterfront and the diverse neighborhoods of St. George, Tompkinsville, and Stapleton.
Many City agencies, including NYC Department of Small Business Services through the Neighborhood 360 initiative, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC Department of Transportation, NYC Parks, and NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, came together to help a diverse group of local artists create their vision on the North Shore.
Community members worry about the long-term availability of affordable housing, artist studio space, and venues for other cultural uses. This public art series is part of our 'Future Culture' planning initiative to promote and sustain the existing cultural assets on the island's North Shore.