Danny Simmons:The Artist's Advocate
By Dana Rosenwasser
Coming from a family of artists, Danny is probably the most low-key Simmons I've met. Human nature compels me to compare Danny's low-key, enlightened nature to his limelight-loving brother Russell. Despite their differences, Danny admits, "I love Russell to death. We've done so many great things together, like the [Rush Philanthropic Arts] Foundation. He's my little brother, he's got my back."
I met Danny last Friday at an art event at Westwood Gallery which took place as part of Curate NYC; a nonprofit he co-created to provide New York City visual artists with free exposure to curators from throughout the city.
"Bloomberg did a lot for the arts, but what I've always felt was lacking was what he did for artists. Arts institutions were important, but the artists weren't as important."
Danny also pointed out some great resources for artists, such as Woodhull Medical Center's Artist Access program that allows artists to exchange patient services for health care credits. The Brooklyn hospital supports it's residents, as Danny points out, "Brooklyn would not have have developed if it wasn't for the artists."
Some more practical advice he had for them, "get a city job...and a pension!"
See more photos of the event c/o Greg Partanio of Manhattan Society.