If this summer’s premier artworks and public installations had one common theme, it would have to be big. Kara Walker’s “A Subtlety” at the Domino Sugar Factory was anything but, and Bignik’s massive picnic blanket installation and Water Above All’s sky-high, artistic water tank takeover are just a few examples of projects that pushed the limits of both one’s imagination and that of public space. Contributing to this trend of boundary-pushing, sizable arts initiatives is Summer Streets in NYC, which returns early next month.
Organized by New York City’s Department of Transportation (DOT), Summer Streets is essentially a NYC block party of epic proportions. According to DOT, “Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space – our streets,” explaining that during three Saturdays in August, nearly seven miles of NYC’s streets are closed to cars and busses and opened for people to play and explore. Explains New York City DOT, “The event is part bike tour, part walking tour, part block party – a great time for exercise, people watching, or just enjoying summer mornings. Passersby are welcome to participate in arts and crafts workshops, listen to musical performances, [and] learn to salsa dance,” of the artistic offerings featured along the seven miles of open streets.
Last year, more than 300,000 people came to enjoy Summer Streets, flooding the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Park Avenue, and all of the connecting streets in between. This year, performances like Craig Shepard’s “Trumpet City: Park Avenue,” sets from Charly and Margaux, the Robert Anderson Band, and others will make Summer Streets truly come to life. In addition to the artist stalls and performances, there will be dog parks, bike rentals, ziplines, the chance to roam below the city in the Park Avenue Tunnel, and so much more. There really is something at Summer Streets for everyone, so be sure not to miss out on this remarkable summertime event!
Summer Streets 2014
Saturday, August 2nd, 7:00am-1:00pm
Saturday, August 9th, 7:00am-1:00pm
Saturday, August 16th, 7:00am-1:00pm
Images: New York City Department of Transportation via Flickr CC