Local Project is looking to raise funds to move into a brand new space on 44th Road in Long Island City. BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO As the wrecking ball gets closer to 5Pointz, one nonprofit that calls the graffiti mecca home is now looking for help to fund their new space once it’s time to move out. For the past five years, Local Project, a nonprofit arts organization, has housed its headquarters and gallery space at 45-10 Davis Street in Long Island City inside the warehouses of 5Pointz. After the property’s owners decided to sell the location to construct two high-rise apartment buildings, Local Project was left wondering where they would go from there. On August 21 the City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the plan for the two towers. “Local Project belongs to Long Island City, everybody knows us,” said Carolina Peñafiel, founder and director. “The day they demolish this is going to be very weird. I believe in changes, I believe in progress, but I don’t believe in mistreating people. They just want to get us out of here.” On August 7, Local Project started an Indiegogo campaign called “Keep LP Spinning” to begin raising funds needed to pay for a new home, moving fees and construction. There is a 25 $27,000 goal the group hopes to reach by September 20, when they must leave the warehouse. Local Project is looking to move into a new space on 44th Road in Long Island City by October 1, close to their first location prior to the 5Pointz warehouses. Although the space is leased, with help of supporter Susan Peters, Local Project still has to raise the funds. “We’re trying to grow and trying to provide a bigger place,” said Peñafiel. “We’re trying to create an experience for people.” Peñafiel also said the new space will allow Local Project to give back more to the community. She said the new space will allow the group to be more organized and active, and to provide more services like workshops, afterschool programs and help for local schools. “We’re going to come in stronger and last longer if this comes true,” she said. “It’s like a dream. It depends on people. The hope is in our collaborators and those who want us to continue. We need the support.” The new space is expected to be ready in time for a show scheduled for the second week of October. To contribute to Local Project’s campaign you can visit www.igg.me/at/LocalProject. Photo Courtesy of Carolina Peñafi el Local Project, a nonprofi t Long Island City arts group that has called 5Pointz home for the past fi ve years, started a campaign to raise funds for a new space.
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