Articles

    Frank Fortino Supports the Arts in NYC in a Unique Way

    ArtUp

    Project timeline completions, construction safety, and Code compliance are certainly top priorities for Metropolis Group. However, we often forget that for the duration of a construction project, residents are subject to unsightly scaffolding and storage containers within their community. Depending upon the length of a particular project, this less than appealing look can be present in a neighborhood for several years at a time.

    Frank Fortino has addressed this problem by contributing to the Fourth Arts Block, ArtUp program. ArtUp is a rotating public art program on non-traditional surfaces, such as scaffolding bridges, construction containers, and concrete pavement.

    Fourth Arts Block (FAB) is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 by cultural and community groups to establish and advance the East 4th Street Cultural District, between 2nd Avenue and Bowery.

    Home to more than a dozen arts groups, 10 cultural facilities and 17 performances and rehearsal venues, the East 4th Street Cultural District attracts an annual audience of 200,000, serves 1,200 artists and provides more square feet of active cultural use than any other block in New York.

    The East 4th Street Cultural District is the only official cultural district in Manhattan, and one of only two in the City. The creation of the Cultural District ensures the survival of the block’s cultural groups, while retaining neighborhood character. This better serves local residents and attracts tourists and new businesses, which supports economic development within the community.

    The neighborhood got a much needed facelift on September 28, 2011 when several unattractive construction containers on the corner of Bowery and East 4th Street were transformed into eye-catching works of art.

    The most recent installment on November 19, 2011 is called Groundbreak. The artist have used the concrete in the alley located on Extra Place between Bowery and 2nd Avenue, as their canvases turning the sidewalk into an art walkway that lights up the alley with vibrant color. Groundbreak will be open until March 18, 2012. Stop by and take a look at this beautiful and unique urban art. Metropolis Group, Inc. is proud to support FABnyc and the art community in New York City.

    Posted by Janey Scaturro

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