Charting the intertwining of artists, institutions, policy, and everyday life that rooted the arts in the city’s infrastructure, economy, sense of place—and what it means to be a New Yorker
The contrast between Lincoln Center turning its amphitheater toward the public housing across the street and the Kennedy Center fight over its name makes the point well: a building's meaning comes from who it faces, not how grand it looks. I also found it telling that the community planning sessions came before the renovation, with neighbors asked what they wanted. Do you think that kind of consultation can undo a founding exclusion like San Juan Hill, or only soften how it is felt today?
Thanks so much for reading! I think the community consultation is a key part of the reorientation, but not necessarily restitution. I'm not sure that is possible because the complex isn't going away--it stands as an emblem of what occurred. But Lincoln Center is figuring out what can be done within those limitations. Change this corner of the complex--with neighbors' concerns foremost--and offer programming of interest at no or little cost. It's the combination of thinking and actions that I find compelling. Do you?
That distinction between reorientation and restitution helps, and I agree the combination is what matters. Consultation with no change in who feels welcome day to day would feel hollow. Which do you think neighbors notice first, the programming or the low cost?
"When we value the edifice over the performance, we have mistaken the symbol for the meaning." Thanks for this enlightening post, Julia!
The contrast between Lincoln Center turning its amphitheater toward the public housing across the street and the Kennedy Center fight over its name makes the point well: a building's meaning comes from who it faces, not how grand it looks. I also found it telling that the community planning sessions came before the renovation, with neighbors asked what they wanted. Do you think that kind of consultation can undo a founding exclusion like San Juan Hill, or only soften how it is felt today?
Thanks so much for reading! I think the community consultation is a key part of the reorientation, but not necessarily restitution. I'm not sure that is possible because the complex isn't going away--it stands as an emblem of what occurred. But Lincoln Center is figuring out what can be done within those limitations. Change this corner of the complex--with neighbors' concerns foremost--and offer programming of interest at no or little cost. It's the combination of thinking and actions that I find compelling. Do you?
That distinction between reorientation and restitution helps, and I agree the combination is what matters. Consultation with no change in who feels welcome day to day would feel hollow. Which do you think neighbors notice first, the programming or the low cost?
I think they notice most that they are being asked what they want (for their neighborhood and for their arts experiences)!