Emerging New York City Artists Join Philanthropist Russell Simmons to Open Curate NYC Exhibition
150 New York City-Based Emerging Artists Exhibit Works at Sites Across the City
Nearly 1,200 Submissions Received for Inaugural Competition
Yesterday, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President Seth W. Pinsky, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin, and Curate NYC Executive Producers Brian Tate and Danny Simmons, also the Co-Founders of Full Spectrum Experience, Inc., were joined by hip-hop pioneer and philanthropist Russell Simmons to open Curate NYC at the Rush Arts Gallery in Chelsea. Nearly 1,200 New York City-based artists uploaded submissions to the exhibition website at www.CurateNYC.org , and an expert panel of curators selected 150 works from across disciplines including photography and images from film, sculpture, mixed media, painting, installation and performance art. The Exhibitions will run from October 22 to October 31, 2010, and display 5 x 6 inch postcard reproductions of selected works.
"The Curate NYC project highlights the breadth of artistic and cultural contributions that New York City has to offer," said Deputy Mayor Steel. "In addition to bringing a vibrancy to New York City, the arts are critical to improving our quality of life, and contribute to the diversity of our economy. I'm pleased that the City can support this sector and its emerging artists through an innovative program such as Curate NYC."
"Supporting the arts and culture in New York City is not only the right thing to do, but is crucial to growing our economy, spurring innovation and staying on the cutting edge of the creative sector," said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. "Through Curate NYC, emerging artists will gain exposure in the City's competitive art market, and residents and tourists alike will enjoy access to high-quality art in unique spaces."
"As the cultural capital of the world, it is critical that we support the wonderful homegrown talent in our local communities," said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Chairman of Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations. "CurateNYC is great citywide exhibition that will help enrich our great city and promote the talented work from our emerging artists."
"We designed the project so that every artist comes out a winner," said Curate NYC Co-Producer Brian Tate, "All entries were reviewed by top curators, and the website will now become a permanent resource for curators, gallery owners and art collectors everywhere to discover this work. That kind of strategic exposure is vital and rare for artists seeking to advance their careers."
"I know there is a lot of hot artwork on display in galleries around the city," said Curate NYC Co-Producer Danny Simmons, "but the best and widest variety of work that New York City has to offer can be found at curatenyc.org. The sheer volume and excellent quality of this art will keep curators and art lovers up late amazed at just how much real talent is out there."
The Exhibitions will be held at Rush Arts Gallery in Chelsea; at the Essex Street Market in Manhattan; and on a special "Curate NYC Pop-Up Wall" that will travel on weekends to La Marqueta in East Harlem and Richmond County Bank Ballpark in Staten Island. The Pop-Up Wall will be unveiled at this evening's event. On Saturdays, October 23rd and October 30th, the Pop-Up Wall will be at the open plaza at La Marqueta, and on Sundays, October 24th and October 31st, it will be located at the Brew Pub at Richmond County Bank Ballpark. All exhibitions are free-of-charge and open to the public. Additionally, all entries - including the artwork, profile, and weblink of each applicant - will remain on the program website, www.CurateNYC.org , for ongoing review by art professionals and the general public for the foreseeable future.
All works submitted for the Curate NYC competition were evaluated online by a Curatorial Committee comprised of New York City-based arts professionals including Naomi Beckwith, Assistant Curator at The Studio Museum in Harlem; Isolde Brielmaier, Curator and Guest Professor at Barnard College and New York University; Cecilia Jurado, Curator of the Y Gallery New York; Matthew Lyons, Curator of The Kitchen; Meridith McNeal, artist and Curator and Director of Education at the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation; Lauren Ross, Curator and Director of Arts Programs at the Friends of the High Line; Amy Sadao, Executive Director of Visual AIDS; Jovana Stokic, Curator of Location One's Abramovic Studio; Meenakshi Thirukode, Board Member of Christies Alumni Society, and Gallery Manager of Guild Art Gallery; and Hank Willis Thomas, artist/independent curator.
Speaking on Curate NYC's reach to emerging artists, curator Cecilia Jurado said: "It was very interesting to see what is going on out there. Some familiar work, but overall many new names. I think this open call was important to see people that usually you don't see in the gallery-museum circuit. It's great that they felt free to apply. It's always difficult to put yourself in a situation where you don't know if your work will be chosen."
Curate NYC was announced by Mayor Bloomberg in September 2009 as part of a suite of initiatives designed to strengthen the City's cultural sector. NYCEDC provided a $40,000 grant to establish the program as well as space for exhibitions at three City-owned properties that it manages.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.
About Full Spectrum Experience, Inc.
Full Spectrum Experience, Inc. is a nonprofit arts organization that creates community-building platforms for artists and audiences. The organization was founded by musician/marketing strategist Brian Tate and artist/gallery owner/philanthropist Danny Simmons. The two often collaborate on cultural initiatives that promote cutting-edge arts and ideas. Their projects include: the Full Spectrum Panel Discussion Series; Bridge Culture: An International Festival of Music, Storytelling & Dance; Voices From the Boroughs: A Digital Art Exhibition; the Project Diversity Brooklyn Exhibition; the Project Diversity Queens Exhibition. Find us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter , and visit us at www.fsexperience.com to learn more about Full Spectrum projects and initiatives.