ACE

Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy

Albany County

Bryan Hamill’s CIRCUS : DIY Print Space Seeks Mission Oriented Partnership

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I first heard of Bryan Hamill at a meeting with Michelle Toch Dinsmore at Overit Media. We were planning the kick off of the rebranded First Friday in Albany last year. Part of the initial rollout was a FF show at her space including Abe Farraro and this “cool guy super connected guy doing amazing print stuff in the skateboard scene…” I came to find out, Bryan is all that and so much more, bringing a passion for craft and creative community to the Arbor Hill neighborhood in Albany. After a successful grand opening last year, he was notified that the space he occupied was no longer going to be available. So what is now to come of this community driven arts / maker space and its specialized equipment? We have an idea…

Bryan Hamill Founder and Shop Manager at CIRCUS (Power Through Paper) | Image: Provided

Please state your name, what you do and your educational / experiential background.

My name is Bryan Hamill. I am currently an Accounting Administrator at Audio Video Corporation in Albany New York and Founder and Shop Manager at Circus (Power Through Paper), a community based printing and events space in Albany’s Arbor Hill Neighborhood.

I grew up down by New York City but moved up here to go to college and absolutely fell in love with the city. I studied music and video production at St. Rose College in Albany and did odd jobs in both upon graduation; recording various albums for local musicians such as Steve Gaylord, commercials for small businesses, weddings, and music videos for bands such as Rockets and Blue Lights. I used to play in a band that was pretty popular in Albany called The Amazing Plaid among others. I’ve played shows around the country traveling in a beat up old prison bus, and even played a week’s worth of shows in Germany. I started and helped run a non-profit arts organization in Albany called the Capital District Federation of Ideas, where we had a performance space on Madison Ave called Point Five. I convinced myself that I needed to secure a grown up job, so I’ve been working full time at local company Audio-Video Corporation since 2011.

The Early Days | Image: Provided

After work, needing to keep doing something creative, I fell back on something that was a full-blown necessity when playing in a DIY band – screen printing – learning everything I could from books and online videos. I started releasing prints under the banner of Pepper Spray Press, where I’ve been fortunate to work with legends such as Daniel Johnston, Dave Navarro, Laura Albert (the author behind JT LeRoy), Al Diaz (former artistic partner to Jean Michael Basquiat), and many others. The more I fell in love with printmaking, the more I wanted to share the amazing skill with others. The idea of a community print shop and art space formed.

Capital Federation of Ideas, POINT5 | Image: Flickr
Capital District Federation of Ideas | Image: Flickr

It sounds like you were on a strong path to full time freelance, self directed work and then…you ended up getting a full time gig. Can you talk about the decision to go that direction?

After graduating from St. Rose, I had what I thought at the time was the perfect job: I was the Assistant Manager for a local bookstore for many years. It allowed me to have a steady income while also taking off any time I needed for shows or tours. After work, I would record bands in my home studio, or work on various video projects. It was also at this time that the non-profit formed Capital District Federation of Ideas that had a performance space on Madison Ave called Point Five. Unfortunately, the people running it, myself included, really didn’t know what we were doing. We were young and passionate, but that’s about all we had going. After about two years worth of amazing events and programming, we decided to close shop. We had ended up spending so much time and energy on keeping the lights on that it felt like we weren’t making any progress towards our stated mission. After it ended, I was so burnt out and disillusioned that I decided I needed to try something more stable, which is when I entered corporate America.

Capital District Federation of Ideas, POINT5 Performance with Early Swamp Baby (?) | Image: Flickr

Your passionate about your current side project. Printing, music and deep community integration. Can you tell use more about what drives you in this area and what you have been up to? I believe you are currently in the old Stage 1 space of the Albany Barn…

Whenever I’m passionate about something, I want to share it with the world, and teaching someone how to print is about the most satisfying thing I’ve ever done. I’ve also always been acutely aware of access and privilege and how it shapes opportunity. If I wasn’t fortunate enough to go to college and get a stable job, I would never have been able to afford the equipment to print, and a house to print in. Printmaking is such an amazing tool, both for artistic expression AND commercial possibilities, and I want to give more people access because as it stands now, if you don’t go to college for printmaking or don’t have the resources to do it yourself, you’ll likely never have the opportunity.

CIRCUS | Image: Provided
CIRCUS | Image: Provided

A couple of years ago, when this idea first began marinating in my head, I began purchasing the needed equipment. During that time, I was contacted by the family of local artist Steve Hazzard. He was a lifelong print maker, but he learned his trade back when dangerous chemicals were necessary to print, and those chemicals had made him sick to the point where he could no longer print. “Would you have any use for his old press?” he asked. The press was gorgeous and expensive, and if I could move it, it could be mine. I was so blown away by his generosity, and I had to share their gift with others. This was the big spark that set me off on this journey.

CIRCUS | Image: Provided

What is your long term vision for this project and why do you think its important?

I envision this space as something for everyone. A place for young students to dip their toes into printmaking BEFORE having to decide if it’s something they want to study in college. A place where studied print makers can apply their craft. (surprisingly, or maybe unsurprisingly, many who go to college for printmaking can’t afford the equipment or space to print). It’s a place where kids from a tough neighborhood can come in and print their own shirts, start their own fashion labels. It’s a place where film photography is still preferred over jpegs. It’s a place where hip-hop open mics and poetry readings can coexist. It’s a place for after-school programs. It’s a place where someone can learn to print without worrying about the judgement of others. It’s a place where I can print pizza boxes for local ghost kitchens to give them a leg up on their competition. I really envision the space as THE hub for local DIY-ers.

Print Making Examples | Image: Provided
CIRCUS Print Making | Image: Provided

Recently, you were notified that you would need to find a new space for the print facilities. Can you share with us what you current situation is and what it is that you are ideally looking for as you transition out of this space and neighborhood?

Originally, the Albany Barn heard about my idea and wanted to help. They provided me with their old gallery space in Arbor Hill, formerly called Stage One. In exchange, I would pay the utilities and teach printmaking at their Schenectady location a couple of times a month. I really felt like it was the perfect space. Perfect size, perfect neighborhood for what I want to accomplish. Unfortunately, the Barn doesn’t own the space – the Albany Housing Authority does, and about a month after we had our grand opening, we were told that the AHA wanted the space back. I am not quite sure of the details or what happened. So…we are without a space. All of the equipment is still there, but I’m unable to use it, and they want it moved out by end of month (Thursday, 02.29).

Learning and Creating at CIRCUS | Image: Provided
CIRCUS Jam Session | Image: Provided

I’ve spent the past couple of months meeting with community leaders, artists, and local businesses, trying to figure out our next step. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been sympathetic, and some have even offered space, but for one reason or another, they wouldn’t work. A couple of examples – the Albany Community Investment Trust really liked our proposal, and their space in the south end (The Coliseum) is both promising and ideal, but they’re about to start new construction that would put us out at least a year. The Social Justice Center in Albany seems like a good match on paper, and they would be more than happy to have us occupy their second floor, but because of ADA restrictions, our ability to hold public events would be very limited. So as it stands now, we are still in need of a space.

EDITORS CHALLENGE: Have any location ideas or collaboration opportunities for Bryan? This feels like a great fit as a satellite location for an existing mission oriented / Not for Profit looking to expand it’s footprint outside city center. Hit him at the Circus website.

CIRCUS Neighborhood Shop Talk | Image: Provided

Albany’s Newest Secret Sauce : Diane Eber on ‘Hatching the EGG’

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I first met Peter Lesser (Previous Executive Director of the EGG) many years ago through an introduction from Ellen Sinopoli. I was on the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company board of directors at the time and had stopped by Ellen’s office in The EGG. I was really blown away by the architecture and the excellent programming that Peter was bringing there…to the tune of over 200 events and upwards of 70K attendees per year! After 22 years, the time came and Peter moved on to spend more time with his family on the West Coast. Since then, after an exhaustive search, a new Executive Director has joined on to take up the mantle. Diane Eber is fun, energized, no nonsense and ready to honor that legacy while moving it forward for a new paradigm, in a new time. I caught up briefly with her to get a sense of who she is and what that will look like.

Diane Eber, Executive Director at The EGG in Albany, New York | Image: Provided

Please tell us your current title and what that entails on a daily basis. Also, a brief synopsis of your previous career experience and education.

My name is Diane Eber and I am Executive Director of The Egg in Albany, New York. My day is usually spent in LOTS of meetings with various partners / staff members / artists / agents / OGS / funders. Then if I have time I try and squeeze in some emailing and dreaming of future programming. I try to always prioritize creative time and make sure I spend at least SOME of my day thinking about ART which is why I do this work.

I am a music nerd at heart – raised by 2 musicians, I was on the path of being a classical clarinetist and then found my true passion was in the magic of bringing together an artist and an audience. I discovered my love for this path booking shows at Vassar College and then went on to work at a booking agency and followed by Warner Music Group, a major record label. I eventually landed at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn. In college I was a Psychology Major but spent most of my days learning the ins and outs of the music business and booking as many shows as I could pull together.

Mitski at MASS MoCA | Image: Provided
Courtney Barnett at Solid Sound Festival 2019 | Image: WFUV Public Radio

The EGG is an important institution on so many levels for Albany with some pretty established shoes to fill following up Peter’s (Peter Lesser) legacy. Can you share a bit about how you plan to continue that track record of stability while building a new institutional direction that addresses current needs and changes in the industry and attendee preferences?

Yes – Peter built SUCH an amazing legacy and what an incredible history of artists who have graced these 2 stages. I am humbled to try to fill his foot steps. It will be a gradual path to breathe new life into The Egg and I will be making small incremental changes as I go.

Right now I am mostly listening and learning about the community and the history and starting to have big dreams about how we can ‘Hatch The Egg.’ I have already brought in a marketing person who is amazing and it’s the first time The Egg has had a marketing person since the ’90s! I also made the bold (somewhat controversial) move to allow beverages into both theatres. I believe strongly that art is for everyone and that the experience of going to the theatre should not feel elitist. Part of making the experience comfortable is having a drink in your hand. I hope to attract new audiences and create buzz and excitement about this incredible space.

Sarah Jarosz Plays The EGG | Image: Claude Sawyer
Steve Lukather Shreds – TOTO at The EGG 2023 | Image: Claude Sawyer

In our recent conversation, you discussed finding new ways to incorporate a creative community ecosystem into the space and programming. Can you share a bit about that?

Creativity is at the core of everything I do and is so important to cultivate and help grow. I would love for The Egg to really be defined by it’s ‘ellipsoidal structure‘ (literally that is what the Enabling Legislation document calls the building – ‘ellipsoidal structure’ – I LOVE that!). At the core of The Egg we are a space with no straight lines where art and creativity can thrive and push artistic boundaries. I took this job because I love the idea of building a curatorial identity for The Egg where the building itself is the primary creative grounding.

The EGG in Albany, New York | Image: John Bellm
Interior Shot of The EGG in Albany, New York | Image: Provided

For programmatic initiatives: the big vision is to lean into the building – tell the story of its history and invite audience to engage with not just what is happening onstage but with the building itself – outside and in. Think of The Egg as a blank canvas for art. We are currently developing a couple of approaches on that front. ‘The Egg Incubates‘ – where we will incubate and support new work and premiere it on our stages and, ‘Expansion‘ – a series where we invite audience and artists to expand their minds and curate a series that goes beyond our current state of being.

2023 Steve Hackett at the EGG | Image: Timothy H. Raab

Part of breathing new life into The Egg is the branding and visual identity. You will see a shift in our graphic presence as well as the development of an authentic, individualized voice on social media. The Egg will be a place for engagement not just show announcements. This is all still a work in process as we develop these ideas more concretely for the next season. Consider this an ACE! insider sneak peak!

To follow along, check us out on social media and specifically, watch these 2 hash tags: #hatchtheegg #spottheegg

The Egg is such a striking part of the Albany skyline, history and ecosystem…it’s amazing where you can #spottheegg!

2023 Upcoming Shows at The EGG | Image: Provided

What’s the best way for folks to explore collaboration opportunities with The EGG?

Reach out to me via email! Diane (@) theegg.org

Always happy to connect – but just be patient if I don’t respond right away – my inbox is CRAZY 😉

Albany’s 1st Friday : A Reminiscence and New Beginnings

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I found myself on the streets of Albany, literally. After going through some intense personal life changing events, I was struggling to craft a new identity. One that was less corporate, less structured. More creative, rebellious. I was attracted to Arts and Culture and had begun volunteering my time consulting for the Albany Center Gallery and soon joined the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company board. At around this time (circa 2010), I discovered 1st Night in Albany or ART NIGHT as I used to think of it. My life would never be the same. The scene…it was decadent, divine. So creative, smart and unexpected. The who’s who of the regional arts and culture scene where there, on the streets. Hundreds even thousands converging on Albany – for Arts Sake. You could find excellent family friendly events early at places like the Albany Institute of History and Art, Grand Street Community Arts or ACG. Then as the night got later, renegade pop up events got hotter in vacant buildings like St. Joseph’s Church, 259 Lark Street, 4 Central Ave or at the Upstate Artist Guild. Finally, the grand finale for me was always at Samson Contompasis’ Marketplace Gallery in the East Greenbush Tape and Label Factory (40B!) where you could dance till dawn with the DJ’s, street artists, fashion junkies, art freaks and hangers on that I aspired to become more like.

Marketplace Gallery | Left with Camera – Frank Whitney next to Peter Contompasis.
Forefront – Corey Aldrich next to Robbie | Photo: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski
Tommy Watkins | Corey Aldrich | Jo Agropovich on Central Avenue
Photo: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski

“First Friday was such a wonderful community event. Going out, connecting with friends, meeting new people. Wandering from place to place, never quite knowing what you might encounter. I hope to see it come back!” Jo Agropovich (Artist and Bass Player with Va Va Voodoos / Retrobilleze)

A few years in, the scene cooled down. It felt diluted. My friends and I slowly stopped considering it a must go on the calendar, scattering to the wind or for me…the Troy scene. Now, post COVID a group wants to bring that creative energy back to Albany, to reclaim the crown…the question is, can it be done?

Unknown Little Dude & Momma | Performance at 259 Lark Street | Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski
Photos: Ken Jacobie

To understand the genesis of the movement, I went back and talked to some of the folks who were there at the beginning. As frequently is the case, there are slight variations on the ‘AHA!’ moment and not to mention some key voices missing. That said, I decided to reprint the words of some those who were there verbatim. This is by no means a complete history. Also, there are lots of overlaps and differences that seem to me to be the telling from different perspectives. Remember, the best scenes are not planned, they may have a little structure in the beginning but usually they are based on creative alliances that overlap and importantly in the words of Tommy Watkins “…collaborations of friends, forming new relationships, coming together from the heart with love. People who are obsessed with doing the thing.” From what I can tell, the spark of the idea was born from a show called the MANSION SHOW and its timing in conjunction with a variety of other events hitting critical mass over the following year. This group show was organized by Tommy Watkins circa 2005. It’s also clear to me that Chip Faschiana (Artist) was at all the action points mentioned by founding participants.

“The love of art was the common ground in which we all started. But as time went by we saw an even greater value that came out of creating these events. We saw how bringing every one together on the first Friday became uniquely special. It got people talking, got people sharing. It created a family, a community, a place where everyone was accepted and appreciated no matter who they were or where they came from.” Tommy Watkins (Artist / Founding Member of Upstate Artist Guild)

Rebecca Schoonmaker | Upstate Artist Guild | Christa Dijstelbergen-Ricci
Photo Left / Right: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski | Center: Ken Jacobie

“Born out of the successful one-night shows of Chip Faschiana and Tommy Watkins, I, as a board member of Upstate Artist Guild and the new Director of the Romaine Brooks Gallery at the Pride Center, decided to align RBG’s shows to UAG’s. I then approached Elizabeth Dubben who had just opened Ambrose + Sable Gallery to see if she wanted to also align her schedule to the first Friday and she agreed. So on Friday September 1, 2006, with 3 galleries in Center Square, 1st Friday Albany was born. A few months later, Sarah Martinez at Albany Center Gallery got on board and we started to grow. I engaged the businesses on Lark and Downtown to show art, to get on the map. We got funding to rent the trolley to do loops between Lark and Downtown. Eventually we added the Opalka Gallery, St Rose, and the University at Albany, which facilitated getting a 2nd trolley, one for uptown and one for downtown. At its peak, 1st Friday had over 50 participating venues, every major art gallery/museum in Albany, and thousands of people a month. For anniversary months, we’d do a 2 page spread in the centerfold of Metroland.” Michael Weidrich (UAG Board Member | Director at Romaine Brooks Gallery at the Pride Center)

(EDITORS NOTE: Think of those peak metrics. This does NOT even include all the overlapping economy that happened due to the influx of traffic to participating neighborhoods that benefited restaurants, bars, coffee shops etc)

Chip Fasciana | DWELL (DJ) and Mia Otian | Katie Pray
Photo: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski
Marketplace Gallery | Abe Ferraro’s Art Course
Left: Artist Provided | Right: Kristin Diotte

“I remember around 2006-13 there was a really vibrant, thriving Art scene that was taking over abandoned spaces and churches with Pop Up shows…independent galleries that were giving a voice to all kinds of artists…IT was exciting and was really moving the conversation forward for what was possible in this region and beyond…an Art Hub! I was happy to be contributing performance / Installation based works that were pretty outlandish…Art that could have easily been dismissed as too dangerous for insurance purposes or eccentric for public scrutiny…yet I was given the opportunity to inspire and be inspired…and live in this area!” Abe Ferraro (Artist | Sculptor and Performance Artist)

Unknown, DJ RaNa Ransom, DJ OFI & Martin Dodge | Photo: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski
Rachelle Smith-Stallman Performance Still | Photo: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski

“I have fond memories when 1st Friday was just an idea sparked by a conversation between Jeff Mirel, Founder of Albany Barn, Chip Fasciana, co-producer of Albany Underground Artists, and me. We all had shows and events opening the same night, and we wanted to come together to build a crowd rather than promote our events in silos. We wanted to bring the art scene to bring us together rather than pull us apart. Albany Center Gallery was relocating to downtown Albany from the second floor of the Albany Public Library, and had a vision to bring new life to the legacy institution so I was personally invested in making 1st Friday successful…“

“Thankfully, Michael Weidrich, a board member at Upstate Artists Guild at the time took initiative and joined our conversation. Through Weidrich’s dedication and commitment towards the initiative, and teamwork from a host of organizations such as Grand Street Community Arts, Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany Center Gallery, Upstate Artists Guild and a slew of other groups, the monthly event definitely elevated the art scene in Albany and other galleries gained notoriety like the Marketplace Gallery. One-night shows at St. Joseph’s Church and Grand Street Community Arts drew hundreds of people. I am grateful to have been part of this team effort to build up the arts community and it is remarkable to see Albany thrive and grow and reinvent this event.” Sarah Martinez (Director at Albany Center Gallery)

Jessyka Neitzel & Alana Sparrow | Photo: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski
Tall Ass Matt – The Early Years | Photo: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski

COVID really put a crimp in the final strands of what was First Night. But, there is now a new initiative to bring it all back. This is being spearheaded by Michelle Toch Dinsmore Partner at Overit Media and Jim Gilbert Owner and Publisher of Nippertown. Overit through participation in the event in the past had seen major traffic generated to support artists they had lined up pre-covid. Michelle indicated that for some shows they would track hundreds of attendees going through the door of their office / venue. Michelle and her team want to build “…upon the foundation of the great First Friday Albany organizers who came before us.” And of course, we all know Jim and his commitment to supporting all things music, art and culture through Nippertown’s online portal. This will be critical for success as in the past the METROLAND played a major part in creating a there there for the event with promotional information, ads and a detailed monthly event map.

Unknown | R.M. Englehardt | St. Joe’s Church Installation
Photos: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski
Corina Jae (oneUNIT) & Samson Contompasis | Unknown at UAG | St. Joe’s Church
Photo: Ken Jacobie

“This is the start of something big,” said Jim Gilbert of Nippertown, “and we hope it will develop into something huge. We really hope that the city’s talented creatives will see this as an opportunity to highlight what makes artists so imperative to the overall success of a creative economy, and we encourage everyone to get involved.”

To this I would personally add, it’s NOT a Creative Economy without the artists and hope that we can remember to center them firmly in the process. After all…the Creative comes first followed by the Economy. Let’s find ways to sustain and provide resources for our value creators and enable them to help in the development of a truly sustaining and sustainable event to the benefit of the overall community.

Samson Contompasis (Marketplace Gallery), Greg Dunn & Micheal Scott Ackermann | RADICAL
Photo: Ken Jacobie
Michael Conlin | Unknown | Jesse | Alyssa Hardy | Mark Gregory (?)
Conlin’s Sign Studio at the East Greenbush Tape and Label Factory
Photo: Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski

The initial relaunch event will be held with a kickoff show at Overit Media at 435 New Scotland Avenue, Albany including 5 artists called The Power of Paper. (Mimi Castiglione-Santiago, Ruby Silvious, Abe Ferraro, Ashton Guy and Lindsay McKeough partner up with collaborative partners The Circus Family and Mohawk Paper) on May 5th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This will also serve as the official kick off to the city’s Tulip Week leading up to the 75th Anniversary of the Tulip Festival. Additional events are listed on the Nippertown Event Page and include the arts locations, shows, and food / beverage promotions.

Want to get involved? To connect with participating locations as an artist you can head over to Nippertown’s First Friday Application Page.

Abe Farraro at 257 Lark | Unknown Performance Art | St. Joe’s Church – RADICAL Stage Design
Photos: Ken Jacobie
Marketplace Gallery – Abe Ferraro’s Art Course | Michael Farrell and Lisa Reddy
Photo: Ken Jacobie

Photos for this article were significantly mined from the collections of my favorite go to photographer at the time Robin Alexandria Kettner-Zebrowski who created a catalog of many who were on the streets in the deep scene and who without I would have been lost. Special mention to Ken Jacobie as well, who had an sharp eye on the art…and seemed to be everywhere all the time.

There is so much to plumb in this rich history. I may end up doing another article. So many voices to reach out to, images to search and best practice tips to secure!

Community Based Design Aspirations : The Albany Riverfront Collaborative

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I was approached about the ‘Albany Riverfront Collaborative‘ by an architect friend, Scott Townsend of SWBR. He reached out to me asking if I was aware of the project and wondering if ACE! would be interested in playing a role in the growing chorus of voices that have an interest in participatory collaboration on what is surely one of the most potentially impactful projects for the riverfront in downtown Albany in decades. As the project is entering an important community feedback phase in the following months, it felt right to amplify the exciting opportunity presented to stakeholders associated with the City of Albany riverfront. To get a little more insight I reached out to Jodi Smits Anderson (AIA, LEED-AP BD+C, Well-AP), a managing principle at Einhorn Yafee Prescott (Albany) who happens to be spending a lot of time engaging interested folks about a collaborative design process.

Jodi Smits Anderson – Member at Albany Riverfront Collaborative | Photo: Corey Aldrich

Can you tell me a bit about the project? What is it trying to accomplish and why now?

The core of the project is reimagining the City of Albany’s riverfront. Albany’s upstate sister cities, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, have all been implementing significant changes to their outdated urban highway structures. ARC (Albany Riverfront Collaborative) founders came together to 1) help people see that we can make powerful change to uplift our communities and improve access to the Hudson River, 2) build relationships to gain support for this change with regional leaders and elected officials, and 3) design aspirational goals that guide the current project and future work – doing so together, with no exceptions!

Albany Riverfront Current | Photo: Jonah Michel of @AroundAlbany

The best time to influence a project’s scope is prior to the actual design process, through discovery of what is possible. Once design is completed, the only tools available to inform the work tend to be confrontational ones: lawsuits, criticism, protest, etc. The consultants for the project are set to begin designing late winter/early spring of 2023, and collaborative feedback during the process is vital to achieving goals of equity and inclusion.

Three redesign concepts are currently on the table for I-787: 1) A highway cap consisting of parkland that connects the city to the river above the fast-moving traffic; 2) an urban canal system that brings the river into the city while restoring water-leveling locks, creating marinas, and generating local interest and tourism (similar to that of the Providence River Walk in Rhode Island); and 3) an appropriately scaled boulevard that balances pedestrian, transportation, commercial, and community needs.

It is likely that the best design incorporates elements of all three, for each idea builds on different perspectives and priorities, from water management and environmental health to recreation and economic development.

Albany Riverfront Current | Photo: Provided
I-787 Beltway on the Riverfront | Photo: Provided

From a historical perspective, what affect has the I-787 corridor had on the City of Albany, specifically the people who lived / live in the areas impacted?

It is amazing to me how projects have ripple effects over time and space. I-787 and the highway interchanges, along with the Empire State Plaza itself, initially took out 98 acres of locally owned businesses, homes, and community places. This gutted the city and created a physical gap. The intention was to provide faster circulation for cars, offices for government, and to create an impressive skyline. Over time, this gap, this slice through town, has forged disparities in the economic levels of impacted communities and created a downtown that is primarily for workers who don’t live here. In addition, all the communities of Albany are distanced from the Hudson River, with only three access points, none of which are vibrant or welcoming.

Can you share some current financial aspects of the project and also community based goals being discussed?

There was a 2018 study completed by DOT for the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) that clearly stated that creating a boulevard, located on either side of the railroad tracks, was a distinct possibility for further study and analysis. The budget this time is more than fifteen (15) times the funding for that study.

Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has $5 million dollars to reimagine the City of Albany’s riverfront to promote access to it while adapting to the Hudson’s current and future tidal rise, reconnecting neighborhoods, spurring economic activity, and creating opportunities for current and future residents.

Albany Riverfront Proposed Redesign Features | Photo: Provided

We’ve been hearing from communities including the Albany Downtown BID, South Albany, the Pastures, and North Albany among others. I, myself, live in Pine Hills and have worked downtown for 15 years, mostly biking and walking to and from the office. The visions of joy being shared through the work of the ARC center around access to Nature and removal of the great weight of concrete over people’s heads. There is a lot of concern over development and a way to do it without pricing our current residents out of the city. This is why local voices are vital. We also hear about slowing down traffic and increasing access points into the city. This last piece is particularly impactful because it can lead to economic growth – for all of the city. Studies show that this approach helps people spend more time and more money in cities, as they are more likely to be part of the community after work hours.

Can you tell us about the public and private stakeholders and cultural and community organizations who have signed on to help make this happen?

The list of stakeholders / partners is impressive. They include residents, neighborhood and community groups, for and not for profit organizations, businesses and government entities. The intent of the Albany Riverfront Collaborative has always been to be a connector. ARC’s goal is to facilitate a growing understanding for all the communities of Albany, including commuters and visitors. That we all have a right and a responsibility in the vision for the city. We want elementary school kids to write about the Hudson, and college students to do the carbon calculations on the plans. We want people to propose legislation to clean and heal the Hudson, and all the streams we have buried in Albany. We support Radix Center‘s urban gardens and the South End Butterfly Sanctuary pollinating them. Local artists and local advocates can agree about the need for a shared, co-created, inclusive, climate smart, and healthy future. CDTA and the local neighborhood associations can inform the plans, and you and I can love our city. That’s the potential we all can see and work for.

Where can folks go to get more information?

You can check out our website and follow us on social media. We are currently looking for more people with a vested interest in the long term development of the City of Albany to connect with the process so please, reach out if you have an interest!

WEB: albanyriverfrontcollaborative.com
IG / FB: @albanyriverfrontcollaborative

Joseph is Doling Out $510K in Statewide Community Regrant Funds : Find Out How to Get Yours

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ACE! connected with Joseph Mastroianni (Vice President of Programming / Statewide Community Regrants Coordinator) of the Arts Center of the Capital Region to find out more about the large pot of money that is being made available to artists and non profits in a two phase round of funding awards. Read on below to find out more about how to submit and qualify.

Joseph Mastroianni – VP of Programs / SCR Grants Coordinator | Photo: Provided

What is the Statewide Community Regrants program?

The Statewide Community Regrants program is an initiative of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and administered by local arts organizations in New York’s 62 counties.

“The SCR program, fosters the continuing development of arts and cultural resources in response to the needs of local communities in each of New York’s counties. The SCR program invests NYSCA funds to serve all communities and people who comprise New York’s citizens and visitors. SCR sites are a network of non-profit organizations that serve local and regional cultural organizations and artists through three categories of support: Community Arts, Arts Education, and Individual Artists.”

The Arts Center represents Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer Counties in the SCR program. In 2023, thanks to a generous one time increase in funding, we will award $510,000 in two rounds.

How much money is available this round?

In Round One, we will distribute $200,000. In Round Two, we will distribute $300,000. Additionally, $10,000 will be available for rolling mini-grants.

Who is eligible?

The SCR program has four categories: Community Arts, Arts Education, Individual Artists, and Pop Up Mini Grants.

In Community Arts, eligible applicants must be or be in partnership with a 501 ©3 nonprofit organization in Albany, Schenectady, or Rensselaer Counties. This category is for public art and fostering creative communities.

In Arts Education, eligible applicants must be either artists over age 18 and in partnership with a community organization, or community organizations. 501©3 status is not required in this category, but all proposed projects must have an educational component, whether in-school or after school.

In Individual Artists, eligible applicants must be artists 18 years of age or over and reside in Albany, Rensselaer, or Schenectady Counties. Projects should all be original work.

In Pop Up Mini Grants, eligible applicants are artists over age 18 or 501©3 organizations based in Albany, Schenectady, or Rensselaer Counties. Mini Grants are for small-scale projects and do not have to include an educational component.

Artists who work in any or all media are encouraged to apply; there is no priority.

Downtown Schenectady Improvement | Photo: Provided

What types of projects are prioritized in the funding?

All projects must have some type of community impact component and there are funding caps for each grant type.

In Community Arts, the maximum award is $5000. In Arts Education and Individual Artist, the cap is $2500. Artists may apply to all three categories if they are eligible; the maximum award any single artist or arts organization will receive is $5000.

Downtown Schenectady Improvement Mural | Photo: Provided

How do I learn more about applying?

We have grant seminars and office hours! At our virtual grant seminars, I’ll go over each type of grant available, so bring your creative ideas and ask questions! At the office hours, I’ll be able to answer very individualized questions about your projects and the application process. Remaining grant seminars are December 20, and January 5, all from 4-5 pm. They are free, but you do have to register to get the zoom link.

REGISTER HERE

Office Hours are Thursdays from 3-4 pm, starting January 12. Office hours may be over the phone, google meet, or email. No registration is required.

Electric City Arts – Jazz on Jay | Photo: Provided

Anything else we have missed we should know about?

Important dates!

ROUND ONE APPLICATION : Opens January 6 and closes March 1. Panel Review will be April 1, and awards will be announced on May 15. Projects must happen between June 1 and December 31 2023.

ROUND TWO APPLICATION : Opens on April 6 and closes on June 1. Panel Review will be July 6, and awards will be announced August 15. Projects must occur between September 1 and December 31 2023.



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