A Times article this week features the Dwyer Cultural Center and how that institution has been struggling to stay open. Cultural centers became a requirement of most major Harlem condo developments in the past decades but these nonprofit organization are complicated to run and rely on local support. The Dwyer Warehouse was rebuilt a few years back as condos and the cultural center opened up three years ago but has been mismanaged. Another point that the article makes out is that many in Harlem still head downtown for cultural events and do not support the arts uptown. Read more in the New York Times:
LINK
When most think of arts/culture they don't think of FDB but rather other parts like Lenox Ave, Strivers Row, Astor Row, etc.
ReplyDeleteThey are really missin something. Hancock Place housed not only The Dwyer, but also currently houses The Faison Firehouse Theatre right across the street - and right around the corner, The Apollo Theatre. 2 short blocks away is the RFA Gallery on 7th Ave. I encourage D to check the websites of some of these wonderful theaters/galleries - they will not disappoint
ReplyDeleteAs always the problem is getting the word out.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't know about the Dwyer or Faison Firehouse at all if I didn't post here.
And I can walk to both those places.
I wonder how a venue could get placed in one of those touristy "things to do in Harlem" booklets you sometimes see.
I go to arts and cultural events uptown when I know about them. The issue with the Dwyer is poor marketing and advertising.
ReplyDeleteI've walked past this place untold times and wondered what it was. Just assumed it was some non-profit office space. Nothing about it draws you in.
Delete