Read February 2002 Our Nuyorican Thing
Read March 2002 Our Nuyorican Thing
Read April 2002 Our Nuyorican Thing
Read May 2002 Our Nuyorican Thing
We interrupt Our Nuyorican Thing to bring you a word from our sponsor. Ok, several words.
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, an arts and cultural non-profit organization, founded by Miguel Algarin and his fellow poets, writers, artists living in and around the Lower East Side ( ‘Loisaida’) came about from the perceived need for ‘a space for art, culture and community’. It started from Miguel’s Livingroom, moved to an E. 6th Street storefront and moved to the present E. 3rd Street location. Always pushed by the need for more space as more artists, poets, writers, musicians and graphical arts exponents converged on a much needed forum, stage & exhibition center.
After some 27 years of continued success and expansion, they are once again faced with the need for more space. The members of the Board of Directors of the Cafe over the past year have been considering the various options available to them. Always guided by the desire to remain close to their root origin, Loisaida, which is simply put, home, and to remain true to the purpose of providing a forum, a stage, a center for the Arts and Community. The Board of Directors has sought the help and assistance from various groups, community residents and local city agencies, and experts in development and expansion in order to determine the best way to address the need. Never lacking in imagination and vision they have concluded that a project with several phases and components will allow the Cafe to expand, reconstruct, make good use of local resources (as in empty or underused land) while being able to continue doing the Nuyorican thing.
The expansion project would:
1. Provide housing. As envisioned, this housing would, include: local residents, senior citizens and artists. And facilities for health care (first 5 years or so). All subject to the regulations of the agencies that would fund the housing part of the project.
2. Expand Cafe space. This would entail a 299 theater area (in terms of audience and stage size), including ancillary services, such as rehearsal space, dressing rooms, administrative offices and storage rooms. It would also provide a larger stage for spoken word Video/Film events and exhibition space. It would also allow the Cafe to provide concurrent events, venues and space for community events, and educational programs.
The initial stages of the Cafe facilities expansion plan have been put in place. We have held meetings with members of our audience, supporters and community to develop strategies that will enable the Cafe to expand its facilities. From these meetings we have formed several committees, each with an outreach target, such as community support, and capital campaign activities. We invite you to be a part of this process, since you are a part of us already. Your time, talents, contacts, ideas and contributions are needed.
As a start in a series of fundraising events, we invite you to come and join us June 30, 2002, starting at 4:00 pm for a most special event: An Afternoon with Savion Glover: If ‘Trane Wuz Here, hosted by Reg E Gaines, and Miguel Algarin, in a rare blend of creativity.
Individual contribution: $150, with one guest: $200.
In the Service of Poetry, Art and Community
Sam