‘Open Culture’ plan opens doors for NYC performers

Concertgoers at the Plaxall Gallery parking lot on a warm night in November 2020.  Eagle file photo by Olivia Bensimon

By Rachel Vick

New York City on Monday unveiled the first draft of a plan to allow outdoor performances at designated locations across Queens, a crucial concession to venues and arts organizations devastated by the COVID shutdowns.

The Open Culture program will allow institutions, venues and groups to host socially distanced, open air performances between March 1 and Oct. 31, said Mayor Bill de Blasio. It’s the city’s latest plan to breathe new life into outdoor spaces amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Arts, culture, and live events are the heart of New York City. Today, we’re bringing them back,” de Blasio said. 

Arts and culture groups that organize performances in front of live audiences will be able to secure one-time permits through the Mayor’s Street Activity Permit Office, according to the draft plan. Each $20 permit is valid for 12-hour use of the space for performances, rehearsals, classes and workshops.

Performers with permits will be allowed to charge admission or collect donations without an additional permit. They will also have to follow COVID capacity guidelines, but are not allowed to use fencing to obstruct the view from beyond the designated space.

Creating a new way for artists to perform and get paid “is a step forward in keeping the arts in NYC," said Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer, chair of the arts and culture committee.

Cultural institutions across Queens rose to the challenge presented by venue closures and distancing requirements by offering virtual programs and the rare in-person event. Nevertheless, many struggled to generate revenue, while performers and audiences struggle with the emotional side of a live performance freeze.

Queens Theatre Executive Director Taryn Sacramone said the plan will rejuvenate the local arts scene, and local public spaces

“The diversity of the cultural community will be on display with streets turned into stages across all five boroughs, “ said  Sacramone. “It's a much-needed opportunity for artists to work and to connect with audiences, and something for all New Yorkers to look forward to."

Designated Open Culture locations in Queens include:

23rd Avenue between 27th Street and 28th Street

Newtown Avenue between 31 Street and 33 Street

Newtown Road between 50th Street and 49th Street

34th Avenue between 93rd Street and 94th Street]

34th Avenue between 77th Street and 78th Street 

34th Avenue between 69th Street and 70th Street 

34th Avenue between Broadway and 65th Street

34th Avenue between Broadway and 59th Street

41st Avenue between 10th Street and 12th Street

43rd Avenue between 51st Street and Roosevelt Avenue

46th Avenue between 5th Street and Vernon Blvd

47th Avenue between 31st Street and Van Dam Street

47th Avenue between Van Dam Street and 31st Street

49th Avenue between 5th Street and Vernon Boulevard

12th Street between 44th Avenue and 43rd Avenue

24th Street between 36th Avenue and 35th Avenue

29th Street between 40th Avenue and 39th Avenue

35th Street between 35th Avenue and 36th Avenue

37th Street between Starr Avenue and Bradley Avenue

42nd Street between 47th Avenue and Greenpoint Avenue

51st Street Slip Lane between 43rd Avenue and 51st Street

46th Street between Queens Blvd and Greenpoint Avenue

Woodside Avenue between 39th Avenue and 39th Avenue

204th Street between 32nd Avenue and 203 Place

235th Street between Douglaston Pkwy and LIRR Station

Forest Park Drive between Forest Parkway and Woodhaven Boulevard

Skillman Avenue between 41st Street and 42nd Street 

Skillman Avenue between 42nd Street AND 43rd Street