Community Renewal Good Stories - New York City

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UMEZ Provides Assistance and Support for a Performance Stage in Harlem
New York, New York Empowerment Zone

New York, New York, EZ

Throughout the years, Upper Manhattan’s artistic community - - dance, music, literature, media, painting, sculpting and theatre - - has crafted a singular identity for the region.  One of the reasons for this is the diversity in languages, ethnicities and traditions that truly makes Upper Manhattan an essential part of New York City’s “gorgeous mosaic.”

Local cultural institutions constitute the single largest draw for tourists to Upper Manhattan.  Collectively, they deliver an annual economic impact of approximately $167 million. Studies show that investments in arts and culture yield economic growth, new jobs, and enhanced quality of life for communities.

Perhaps one of the most well-known cultural venues is Aaron Davis Hall, Inc. Over the past several years, the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) has awarded approximately $3 million in grants to Aaron Davis Hall, Inc. from 1999 through 2008. The last grant was awarded in December 2008.  This funding has been used for, among other things, staffing, marketing and capital improvements.

Located on the campus of City College of New York, Aaron Davis Hall, Inc. is a 750-seat proscenium theater, a 175-seat experimental theater, and a 75-seat rehearsal studio-workshop. It is a vibrant presence on the New York City arts scene, celebrating and supporting artists of color from Harlem and around the world.

Aaron Davis Hall, Inc. has an extraordinarily rich tradition of presenting a full range of musical styles, reflective of the Harlem community. It provides a venue for new talent, encourages new collaborations between artists of different eras and styles, and explores the history of music with special musical tributes, panel discussions and educational programs. It hosts both student and professional performances including the Dance Theater of Harlem and the New York City Opera National Company. Renowned and celebrated artists have hosted their performances here.

Aaron Davis Hall, Inc.’s in-school programs greatly enhance arts training and support creative thinking and investigation in all subjects, like literature, art, history and math. Over the past 30 years, it has served over half a million young people, their educators and families through presentations devoted to presenting works that “talk up” to young folks, integrate with their school curriculums and inspire them to think and act creatively and responsibly for themselves and their communities.

For additional information on the programs and projects in the Upper Manhattan area in the New York EZ, contact Director of Communications Charles Walker, UMEZ at 212-410-0030.