Author: Anderson Notter Finegold

Publication Year: 1980

Media Type: Report

Summary:

With bipartisan support, the state legislature allocated funds for this feasibility study. The goals of the study were: To forecast the demand for performing arts facilities in Queens into the 21st century; To define the type of facilities needed; To examine site alternatives with emphasis on economic development and revitalization; To estimate capital costs and operational budgets; To develop a funding strategy for operational self sufficiency; To examine the application of new technology; and To make recommendations based on the above.

Abstract:

With bipartisan support, the state legislature allocated funds for this feasibility study. The goals of the study were:

1. To forecast the demand for performing arts facilities in Queens into the 21st century.
2. To define the type of facilities needed.
3. To examine site alternatives with emphasis on economic development and revitalization.
4. To estimate capital costs and operational budgets.
5. To develop a funding strategy for operational self sufficiency.
6. To examine the application of new technology.
7. To make recommendations based on the above.

Summary of findings: The audience - Queens residents attend arts events more frequently than the average American. For example, 53 percent attended the theatre last year versus a 14 percent national average. Currently 80 percent of the Queens audience attends in Manhattan, therefore the audience capture rate has the potential to be dramatic, but will require a highly dynamic management organization and marketing program. The needs of performing arts groups: All performing arts groups in Queens, amateur, semi-professional and professional suffer from a lack of adequate facilities. Extensive surveys of performing and presenting organizations in New York City substantiates the need for a range of performing spaces.

These theatres would be used by groups from Queens and the metropolitan region and would serve both professional and community organizations. Among the spaces to be considered are those for: drama, mid-size ballet and modern dance companies, recitals and chamber music, major classical artists, popular entertainers, video studios, and film production. Other spaces unavailable regionally that might be developed include: a surround hall or indoor pavilion for performances such as pops concerts; a major outdoor amphitheatre.

An arts concept for Queens: The arts center can be a straightforward response to the needs of the audience and arts groups, or it can take advantage of the potential for economic revitalization and expand the concept into an arts district. An arts district would be a several block area devoted to the performing and visual arts but supported by interwoven joint development that would include housing, retail stores, office space and possibly a hotel.

Joint development and control of a core area are the key to creating a self-supporting arts center. The district would be housed in new and adapted buildings accommodating diverse round-the-clock events including the performing arts, art exhibitions and artists studios amidst neighborhood housing, retail activities, and improved public spaces. The arts district would have the potential to support a year-long festival of the arts and attract people from all over the metropolitan region.

The focus of the district would be the Performing Arts Center, which include: a 3,000 seat hall that can be expanded to 5,000 seat indoor; pavilion for major classical and popular music events; a 1,500 to 2,000 seat proscenium theatre for music, dance and theatre; a 750 seat modified thrust facility for a resident theatre group (Playwrights Horizons); a 500 seat proscenium theatre for music and dance; 2 100 seat experimental theatres; A video production studio.

Location: Central to the concept presented in this report is the large-scale neighborhood revitalization projected to occur around the Arts District. For this, federal revitalization funding will be essential, and thus the arts center must be located in an area responsive to rehabilitation. Six areas for a performing arts center have been investigated in detail with special regard to funding eligibility, transportation, and compatibility with the community. Of the six areas it was concluded that Long Island City provides the most feasible climate for the development of the arts district.

This feasibility report, Phase 1, is the first step in a challenging and exciting process for Queens. It has developed the preliminary master plan for the concept. Phase II, the next step, will establish the developed program and identify a specific site. Phase II will be followed by site acquisition, design, and construction, with an opening night in 1985.(p. 2-3)

CONTENTS
Introduction.
Queens and the Arts.
An arts concept for Queens.
A place for the arts in Queens.
Conclusion.
Funding sources.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Cultural Facilities