Empty ‘New Lots’ to become arts & business incubators
Empty lots in East New York will be repurposed later this year to provide affordable spaces for burgeoning artists and entrepreneurs, and those interested in participating still have time to apply.
[Re]New Lots Markets & Artist Incubator Project, an initiative of Arts East New York, is developing two vacant lots at New Lots and Van Sinderen avenues to provide seven affordable spaces for retail and seven more for visual arts studios by December 2014.
The spaces will be developed by converting 10′ x 8’ shipping containers into weather-insulated storefronts and studios. Amenities will include 24/7 security, communal areas and events to draw crowds. The initiative is designed to help participating entrepreneurs grow commercially, gain visibility and develop as small business owners, while also assisting participating artists in creating a professional environment where they can share their work with peers, arts enthusiasts and curators.
“I had heard about a similar program headed up by Bill Wilkins of the Local Development Corporation,” said James Malone, a local resident who attended an information session on Wednesday. “We need spaces for artists to exhibit their work, so this is exciting.”