Illuminate Stapleton
Organization: Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership
Grant Amount: $70,000
Year: 3
Neighborhood: Stapleton
Borough: Staten Island
The Challenge:
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the redevelopment of Stapleton is raising new concerns within the community. Businesses, residents, and local artists share fear of displacement and gentrification.
The Big Idea:
The Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership proposed to produce a year-long series of light-based art activities and installations along a one-mile corridor between Stapleton and Tompkinsville. The goal of the project was to help define the neighborhood and bring together a wider network of local businesses, residents, artists, and community organizations to help strengthen the commercial corridor.
The Progress:
The Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership engaged Stapleton’s artists, community partners, businesses, and residents to conceptualize, plan, and put on the Illuminate Stapleton event. In October 2015, the weekend of art and lighting installations, performances, and special events brought together more than 150 community participants and 5,000 attendees for the outdoor neighborhood art event in the North Shore of Staten Island. The project has also led to the creation of a community-based concept for street banners to promote the Stapleton district.
Quote:
"Being the first Staten Island organization to secure a Neighborhood Challenge grant was a big win for our district. With the level of redevelopment happening in our area, these funds were essential in helping us define our neighborhood and meet the challenges rapidly facing our community." – Kamillah M. Hanks, President & CEO
Press:
'Illuminate Stapleton' Festival Highlights Neighborhood's Culture | NY1
Local Artists Light Up Tappen Park | NY1
First Illuminate Stapleton project highlights the past | Staten Island Advance
Illuminate Stapleton: Festival highlights revitalized neighborhood | Staten Island Advance
The faces of Stapleton: Photo event kicks off 'Illuminate' weekend | Staten Island Advance
7 artists 'Illuminate' rich history, emerging story of Stapleton | Staten Island Advance
Huge community art project will transform Stapleton this fall | Staten Island Advance
