11 community news Affordable art space in LIC BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO More performing artists will soon call LIC home. On August 20, Mayor Michael Bloomberg cut the ribbon on Spaceworks LIC, located at 33-02 Skillman Avenue. The new 3,800-square-foot rental location is a pilot site for Spaceworks, a nonprofit organization, and includes three rehearsal rooms for dance and theater, and one music studio. “Arts and culture is thriving in every neighborhood in all five boroughs, and supporting the artists who make up New York City’s creative community is critical,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “By integrating affordable workspace for artists into neighborhoods across the city, Spaceworks is helping us find innovative ways to attract the talented workers who help shape our city’s economy, identity and quality of life.” Created in 2011, Spaceworks builds long-term and affordable rehearsal and visual art studios throughout the city by converting underutilized private and public facilities into permanent workspaces. Spaceworks LIC is the first of five current developing sites which over the next two years will help bring close to 30,000-square-feet of rental workspace for city artists. “By providing long-term affordable work spaces, Spaceworks will become a vital resource for artists committed to staying and working in New York City, while building lasting connections between artists and communities,” said Paul Parkhill, Spaceworks executive director. The Chocolate Factory Theater will work as the program partner for Spaceworks LIC and help with community and artist relations throughout Long Island City. Performing artists can apply for a Spaceworks Card to access Spaceworks LIC by visiting www.spaceworksnyc.org. Photos Courtesy Spaceworks Spaceworks LIC location photos.
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