MoMA PS1 might soon be able to expand into a property right next door after receiving $3 million in city budget funds.
As part of the city’s 2014 budget, Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer, chair of the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee, helped allocate the capital funds allowing the museum at 22-25 Jackson Avenue to purchase the neighboring building in the future.
“MoMA PS1 is a real anchor in Long Island City,” said Van Bramer. “It draws hundreds of thousands of people every year to the neighborhood. Anytime a cultural organization sees an opportunity to expand, I think they should grab it and we want to be helpful in the process.”
According to Van Bramer, the expansion will give the museum more flexibility and allow resources and offices to shift to the new building. Acquiring the building would allow PS1 to expand its programming and gallery space.
However, according to MoMA PS 1, there is still no information on whether, when and where the expansion will occur.
“MoMA PS1 hasn’t announced anything at this point, as the City Council has just allocated funding and we are still exploring the possibility of acquiring the property,” said a MoMA PS1 spokesperson.
Along with PS1, Van Bramer has also increased funding for art and cultural organizations in the city including some right in his backyard.
The Chocolate Factory Theater, located at 5-49 49th Ave in Long Island City, will receive $1.7 million to purchase and expand its property. The Noguchi Museum will get $600,000 to protect its sculpture collections from future flood damage. The SculptureCenter will receive an additional $300,000 for its expansion. Funding has also been provided for groups such as Flux Factory and Socrates Sculpture Park.
“They’re economic engines because when people come to see those exhibits, many of them spend money in the neighborhood,” said Van Bramer. “By keeping those organizations strong and well-funded, we are improving the economy of our local neighborhoods.”
RECOMMENDED STORIES
