Goals To implement elements of FAB’s 20/20 Vision Plan which aims to creatively activate public spaces in the Lower East Side. Working in coordination with resident groups, artists, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs, FAB is seeking to establish the basis for ongoing programming which supports the creative ecology of the LES while increasing cultural access and opportunities for low income and traditionally marginalized communities.
FAB’s OPEN ARTS LES programming on the Avenue B Open Street
Fourth Arts Block Lower East Side DLR Group Marvel Architects Ellana Pentagram Smart Design
Community engagement session for “Casita” on Avenue B
Outcomes In 2022 FAB expanded its programming, offering over 90 free events in public spaces, hired dozens of local artists, launched an outdoor arts market, and laid the foundation for long term and sustainable public programming with support from Neighborhoods Now. With DLR, Marvel, Smart Design, and Pentagram, FAB now has working tools and designs which move forward its 20/20 Vision Plan in three key areas: the Avenue B Open Street, Sara D. Roosevelt Park, and engagement with local NYCHA developments.
FABMobile Smart Design
Graphic Design Pentagram
Smart Design worked with FAB, Revolution Rickshaws, and SFDS to bring the FABMobile to life: a vision for a functional art piece that inspires and engages the community wherever it goes. The electric-powered tricycle can maneuver New York streets and neighborhood parks, towing a caboose inspired by Romanian caravans and hand-painted by local artist Coco Lin. It carries all of FAB’s on-site essentials and expands to welcome the community, making the arts more accessible for neighborhoods far and wide.
Pentagram created inviting, colorful graphic materials for FAB’s public space programs that reflect the vibrancy and cultural diversity of the neighborhood.
Full schedule and details at www.fabnyc.org
The FABmobile at Baruch Houses’ NYCHA Family Day. Exterior by local artist Coco Lin.
FABMobile production and design
Casita DLR Group Program flyers for FAB’s Open Arts LES
Collage making on Avenue B
Sara D. Roosevelt Park Marvel Focused on two sites within Sara D. Roosevelt Park, M’finda Kalunga Garden and Stanton House, Marvel engaged with the local community to advance resident-led efforts to increase safety and cultural inclusion in the park.
A vision of a safer and more culturally inclusive Sara D. Roosevelt Park
t ysti eS
PHASE 1
Phased intervention for reclamation of the Stanton House building as a community facility
1
PHASE 3 PHASE 2 PHASE 1
et
t
Stre
1
tree
nton
t 4
PHASE 2
3
Chr
Sta
Stre
et
tree
t
2
th S
Fors y
4
PHASE 3
2
Fors y
th S
tree
et
tree nton
tree
Stre
Sta
3
th S
2
t
nton
PHASE 3 (IN 3 YEARS) 1. Interior spaces brought up to code and designed to support programming. Capital Project - HVAC Upgrade Capital Project - Fire Alarm & Sprinkler 2. Completion of the phased change of use from storage building to community use and supported programming, both indoors and out. - Outdoor furniture - Touch-up of remaining interior space & basement [Area: approx. 2,050 sqft]
Fors y
Sta
PHASE 2 (IN 2 YEARS) 1. Capital Project - Repoint brick [approx. 20%] 2. Capital Project - Exterior Lighting 3. Capital Project - Exterior Ramp for ADA accessibility 4. Capital Project - Doors & Windows replacement
ysti eS
1
PHASE 1 (IN 1 YEAR) 1. Recruit local partners and funding for activations 2. Invest in modest improvements additional lighting (i.e. string lights) 3. Invest in modest improvements additional planting, tables & chairs 4. Limit or redirect vehicles from exterior plaza to enable public engagement activities 5. Site improvement
Chr
t
Juneteenth event at M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden
tree
Marvel worked in collaboration with Buro Happold Engineering and Ellana Cost Estimating to produce a phased intervention for reclamation of the Stanton House building as a community facility. We also engaged visitors at M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden’s Juneteenth event to gain insights into the community’s vision for an upcoming memorial honoring Black Histories in the LES.
ysti eS
“Casita” designs
Program flyers for FAB’s Open Arts LES
Chr
DLR Group has conceptualized long-term programming on the Avenue B Open Street through the design of a community engagement hub that reflects the cultural roots of the area. The “Casita”—which honors traditional structures in Loisaida community gardens—will be an activated information hub for outdoor cultural programs. The year has culminated with a community engagement effort, involving a 1/2 scale model, engagement boards, and art activities to get community members feedback and involvement in the design process.
Full schedule and details at www.fabnyc.org
PHASE 3 PHASE 2 PHASE 1