Whether it’s meant to express ideas, tell stories, or communicate messages, art shapes our everyday lives. It plays in an invaluable role in our society, and everyone should have access to it regardless of their location.
ArtBridge is a non-profit organization designed to bring unique art to the construction
sites across many of New York’s neighborhoods. One of their goals is to create a “new normal” where art is accessible to all communities.
The organization gives artists the liberty to turn every-day mundane sites to
lively masterpieces that inspire the people of those neighborhoods. ArtBridge
collaborates with NYC’s DOB and DCLA so that each work of art is site-specific.
They work alongside the client in artist selection and site maintenance during
the installation. While ArtBridge will guide the client throughout the process,
site owners are responsible for actually funding the project.
Since 2009, they’ve covered more than 60,000 square feet of public space. Their
mission is to place art in the center of inner-cities. Art should not be
considered a luxury, and it doesn’t have to exist only in museums. There are numerous
local artists in our communities that have the talent to depict the voices of
the communities in the art that’s created.
The “Bridging the Divide” program entails ArtBridge’s artists collaborating with residents of lower income, disadvantaged zones. These residents deserve to walk alongside the inspiring exhibitions that ArtBridge can provide. This program helps to brighten and build up these communities for people who might be underprivileged.
The artists of this program are helping to express the history and values of the
communities. When the residents walk out onto their streets, they’ll see something that represents them and their background. The expressive works ArtBridge creates are helping to preserve the integrity and soul of New York’s residential zones.
