By Mark Hallum
Cultural institutions in Queens just received a major boost from the City Council in the form of capital funds. Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan) and Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) announced =roughly $12.5 million would be parceled out to seven institutions in the borough and $64 million to up to 70 institutions citywide.
Among the organizations within the borough that will be funded, Queens Botanical Gardens will receive $7,25 million, while $2 million will go to the Queens Museum, $1,18 million to the New York Hall of Science; $1.55 million to P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center; $206,000 to Queens Theatre in the Park; $300,000 to the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts; and $100,000 to the Conrad Poppenhusen Association.
In Van Bramer’s 6 1/2 years as the chairman of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries, the city has allocated over $1 billion in capital funding for cultural institutions
“Arts and culture are what make New York what it is,” said Van Bramer. “We must invest in the institutions and organizations that inspire New Yorkers from all walks of life.”
The Queens Botanical Gardens has had a presence in Queens since the 1939 World’s Fair. It stretches over 39 acres and specializes in pioneering sustainable agriculture and creating green space within the borough. It draws more than 200,000 visitors a year.
Queens Museum located in Flushing Meadows in the building once used by the United Nations and its mission is to provide visuals arts exhibitions and educational programs to the diverse population of the borough.
Up to 450 exhibits, demonstrations and workshops can be found at the New York Hall of Science at its location in Flushing Meadows. This organization was established during the 1964 World’s Fair and continues to provide educational experiences.
P.S. 1 is a branch of the Museum of Modern Art located in Long Island City. The organization prides itself on providing museum-goers with experimental art, which normally would not be found at a more traditional museum institution.
“New York City’s cultural institutions open a world of exploration and opportunity for our young children, for aspiring artists and scientists, and for newcomers and visitors alike,” said Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst), chair of the Committee on Finance. “They are an invaluable thread in the fabric of New York City life and this Council is proud to have negotiated nearly $64 million in capital funding to support their growth.”
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
