Archive

  1. CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

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    CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    Thursday, September 26, 6:30 pm
    303 Bond Street, Brooklyn

    Brooklyn’s Community Board 6 holds their monthly Landmarks & Land Use Committee meeting at Van Alen Institute. Open to the public.

    For more information about Brooklyn Community Board 6, calendar updates, and meeting agendas, click here or email Mike Racioppo, District Manager at mike@bkcb6.org.


    The Urban Room at Van Alen Institute is a flexible, accessible, street-level space located at 303 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It’s a place for civic-minded organizations to meet and diverse groups to come together in dialogue, and serves as an information hub for the Gowanus community. Van Alen regularly hosts meetings for many local groups, including Brooklyn Community Board 6, the Gowanus Oversight Task Force, and Gowanus Mutual Aid, as well as a community fridge operated by One Love Community Fridge.

    For values-aligned nonprofits and community groups, Van Alen offers this space and meeting tech at no cost, while private and corporate space rentals support our mission to create more equitable cities through inclusive design. To inquire about using our space, fill out this form.

  2. Van Alen Fall Fest

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    Van Alen Fall Fest
    Saturday, October 19
    1–5 pm
    303 Bond Street, Brooklyn

     

    As part of Gowanus Open Studios and Archtober, join us for an open house to learn more about Van Alen, interact with some of our public art projects, and meet your neighbors. Drop in anytime for a lively afternoon of games, tunes, artist-run activities, and a public art resource fair. Fall treats provided by Four & Twenty Blackbirds, Sigmund’s, and Treelicious Orchards.

     

    Learn more about our Fall Fest partners below!

     

    Add to calendar: Google | Outlook | iCal

    Artist-Run Workshops

    Friends and Follies by Mookntaka. Photo: Anna Louise

    1–2:30 pm: Mookntaka

    Mookntaka (MOO-kin-tah-kah) is a Gowanus-based artist duo by Mark Zlotsky and Karyn Lao that creates art to encourage people of all ages to connect through play. They will feature The Friends and Follies—a cast of interactive, inflatable sculptures—and lead a drop-in pompom art workshop.

    Tiffany Baker. Photo: Jason Bailey

    3:30–5 pm: Dear Neighbor,

    Artist Tiffany Baker is collecting personal stories of how Gowanus residents have been impacted by and recovered from flood events. Past and present residents (ages 12+) are invited to talk or write about your experiences of flooding through this guided workshop. Your stories will help to create a unique community art project launching in 2025!

     

    Workshop materials provided in part by Materials of the Arts.

    Public Art Resource Fair

    From 1–5 pm, meet local art organizations, design firms, and city agencies at our public art resource fair. Whether you’re a local artist, designer, community organizations, or Gowanus resident, get insight from the experts on activating NYC’s public realm through art and design projects.

    Michelle Weinberg, River Semaphore, with program partner Battery Park City Authority. Photo: Cameron Blaylock

    ArtBridge empowers local artists to transform construction fencing into canvases for art. We seek to place artists at the center of public life, while prioritizing exhibitions that amplify the voices, cultures, and histories of local communities. ArtBridge’s exhibitions have covered more than 60,000 square feet of public space, providing unprecedented exposure for hundreds of artists.

    Under the Bruckner – Temporary Art Activation by Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (YMPJ) through the Local Center initiative; Soundview, Bronx. Design Team: Ennead, Public Works Partners, Buro Happold, Cozen O’Connor.

    Buro Happold is a global engineering practice with strong roots in our local office communities; providing engineering, consulting, and design services. Our lighting design team is committed to supporting lighting and art in our public spaces through direct project involvement and advocacy on behalf of community groups.

    Photo courtesy Dancewave

    Located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn’s growing Gowanus community, Dancewave creates quality dance education for people of all ages (from 3-103), backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels. Our mission is to provide access to supportive and empowering dance experiences that center social, emotional and cognitive development through movement.

    Photo courtesy DCP

    The New York City Department of City Planning (DCP)’s ambition is to make all of New York a better place to live, to maintain what works and improve what doesn’t. We want to encourage and inform the community about how to be involved as civic leaders in their neighborhood, by raising awareness about the Community District Needs Process and the Principles of Good Urban Design and how these tools benefit communities.

    Sprout, NYCHA Polo Grounds Houses. Team: NYCHA, The Urban Conga, Neighborhood Safety Initiatives, NYC Office of Neighborhood Safety, Polo Grounds Neighborhood Stakeholders Team. Photo: Mars and Moon Films

    Neighborhood Safety Initiatives at the Center for Justice Innovation is building a model for the future by reimagining community development. We invest in residents, transform public spaces, and influence policy—with community at the core. Pictured here is Sprout, a neurodivergent playscape developed through a participatory design project with residents from the NYCHA Polo Grounds Houses in Harlem.

    Left to right: Ampersand, Morris Adjmi Architect; Heart Squared, MODU and Eric Forman; Regeneration, Olalekan Jeyifous

    New Project has been proud to call Brooklyn home for 20 years. Our studio’s art fabrication specialists collaborate with artists, cultural institutions, public arts organizations, and city agencies on art installations throughout NYC. Helping artists realize their vision and bringing art to the community has always been at the core of what we do.

    Photo courtesy SBS

    The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building thriving neighborhoods across the five boroughs. SBS partners with community-based organizations to enhance the public realm and foster commercial revitalization through public space programming, art, and tactical transformations.

    Powerhouse Arts. Photo: Tod Seelie

    Newly opened in Gowanus, Powerhouse Arts is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression. Join us all afternoon to learn about arts fabrication and create your very own button or magnet. Immediately wear your button or exchange your art with other artists at Van Alen Fall Fest!

    Ugly Beauties by Curry J. Hackett. Photo: Cameron Blaylock

    In the United States, TYLin’s Buildings Sector currently comprises 200+ professionals including 70+ professional engineers and 20+ LEED accredited personnel. TYLin is proud to participate at the Van Alen Fall Fest; their Building Equity Initiative (BEI) provides pro-bono and low-bono professional structural engineering services to support the efforts of non-profits and public programs.

    Young New Yorkers (YNY) is an arts-based non-profit that offers diversion programs for individuals aged 12-25 years old who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. Our organization is built on three pillars: art, activism, and welfare. 

  3. CB6 Full Board Meeting

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    CB6 Full Board Meeting

    Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 pm
    303 Bond Street, Brooklyn

    Brooklyn’s Community Board 6 holds their monthly Full Board meeting at Van Alen Institute. Open to the public.

    For more information about Brooklyn Community Board 6, calendar updates, and meeting agendas, click here or email Mike Racioppo, District Manager at mike@bkcb6.org.


    The Urban Room at Van Alen Institute is a flexible, accessible, street-level space located at 303 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It’s a place for civic-minded organizations to meet and diverse groups to come together in dialogue, and serves as an information hub for the Gowanus community. Van Alen regularly hosts meetings for many local groups, including Brooklyn Community Board 6, the Gowanus Oversight Task Force, and Gowanus Mutual Aid, as well as a community fridge operated by One Love Community Fridge.

    For values-aligned organizations, Van Alen offers this space and meeting tech at no cost, while private space rentals support our mission to create more equitable cities through inclusive design. To inquire about using our space, fill out this form.

  4. CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    Comments Off on CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    Thursday, August 22, 6:30 pm
    303 Bond Street, Brooklyn

    Brooklyn’s Community Board 6 holds their monthly Landmarks & Land Use Committee meeting at Van Alen Institute. Open to the public.

    For more information about Brooklyn Community Board 6, calendar updates, and meeting agendas, click here or email Mike Racioppo, District Manager at mike@bkcb6.org.


    The Urban Room at Van Alen Institute is a flexible, accessible, street-level space located at 303 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It’s a place for civic-minded organizations to meet and diverse groups to come together in dialogue, and serves as an information hub for the Gowanus community. Van Alen regularly hosts meetings for many local groups, including Brooklyn Community Board 6, the Gowanus Oversight Task Force, and Gowanus Mutual Aid, as well as a community fridge operated by One Love Community Fridge.

    For values-aligned nonprofits and community groups, Van Alen offers this space and meeting tech at no cost, while private and corporate space rentals support our mission to create more equitable cities through inclusive design. To inquire about using our space, fill out this form.

  5. CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    Comments Off on CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    Thursday, June 27, 6:30 pm
    303 Bond Street, Brooklyn

    Brooklyn’s Community Board 6 holds their monthly Landmarks & Land Use Committee meeting at Van Alen Institute. Open to the public.

    For more information about Brooklyn Community Board 6, calendar updates, and meeting agendas, click here or email Mike Racioppo, District Manager at mike@bkcb6.org.


    The Urban Room at Van Alen Institute is a flexible, accessible, street-level space located at 303 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It’s a place for civic-minded organizations to meet and diverse groups to come together in dialogue, and serves as an information hub for the Gowanus community. Van Alen regularly hosts meetings for many local groups, including Brooklyn Community Board 6, the Gowanus Oversight Task Force, and Gowanus Mutual Aid, as well as a community fridge operated by One Love Community Fridge.

    For values-aligned nonprofits and community groups, Van Alen offers this space and meeting tech at no cost, while private and corporate space rentals support our mission to create more equitable cities through inclusive design. To inquire about using our space, fill out this form.

  6. Photos: Bond Street Bash 2024

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    Launching the Urban Room with Van Alen’s community

    Bond Street Bash, 2024. Photo: Cameron Blaylock

    On June 13, 2024, Van Alen Institute held the fourth annual Bond Street Bash, our annual celebration of our partners and community. We were thrilled to officially launch the Urban Room at Van Alen Institute, made possible by former Board Chair Jared Della Valle. The hub of our inclusive design network, within the last year the Urban Room hosted 30+ community meetings, and countless co-design sessions, exhibitions, and celebrations, serving 2000+ attendees with dignity and for no cost.

    During his tenure as Board Chair, Jared Della Valle challenged Van Alen to think bigger and drive our own destiny, resulting in the purchase and design of our home at 303 Bond Street. Thanks to him — and to our powerful network of community leaders, designers, and allied professionals — our doors are open to the curiosity, creativity, and conversations necessary to create a more optimistic future.

    Bond Street Bash event committee
    Hana Kassem, Principal, KPF (chair)
    Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, Founder, One Love Community Fridge
    Alex Hammerschlag, Co-Founder & Principal, Effectus Group
    Carla Swickerath, Partner, Studio Libeskind

    Thank you to Stacy Seebode, Free Range Wine and Spirits, and FDK Florals for your support at this year’s Bash.

    About the Urban Room

    The Urban Room at Van Alen Institute is a flexible, accessible, street-level space located at 303 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It’s a place for civic-minded organizations to meet and diverse groups to come together in dialogue, and serves as an information hub for the Gowanus community. For values-aligned nonprofits and community groups, Van Alen offers this space and meeting tech on a sliding scale, while private and corporate space rentals support our mission to create more equitable cities through inclusive design.

  7. NYCHA Comp Mod Ambassador Info Session

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    NYCHA Comp Mod Ambassador Info Session

    Monday, June 3, 3:30–5 pm
    303 Bond Street, Brooklyn

    NYCHA’s Comprehensive Modernization (“Comp Mod”) Resident Ambassador Program is an opportunity for Gowanus residents to play a vital role in keeping their neighbors informed about upcoming renovations. This info session will highlight the benefits of the volunteer program, including a $250 incentive, community engagement training, and more.

    Contact info:
    NYCHA Comprehensive Modernization Department
    compmod@nycha.nyc.gov
    (212) 306-6768


    The Urban Room at Van Alen Institute is a flexible, accessible, street-level space located at 303 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It’s a place for civic-minded organizations to meet and diverse groups to come together in dialogue, and serves as an information hub for the Gowanus community. Van Alen regularly hosts meetings for many local groups, including Brooklyn Community Board 6, the Gowanus Oversight Task Force, and Gowanus Mutual Aid, as well as a community fridge operated by One Love Community Fridge.

    For values-aligned organizations, Van Alen offers this space and meeting tech on a sliding scale, while private space rentals support our mission to create more equitable cities through inclusive design. To inquire about using our space, fill out this form.

  8. CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    Comments Off on CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    CB6 Landmarks & Land Use Committee

    Thursday, June 27, 6:30 pm
    303 Bond Street, Brooklyn

    Brooklyn’s Community Board 6 holds their monthly Landmarks & Land Use Committee meeting at Van Alen Institute. Open to the public.

    For more information about Brooklyn Community Board 6, calendar updates, and meeting agendas, click here or email Mike Racioppo, District Manager at mike@bkcb6.org.


    The Urban Room at Van Alen Institute is a flexible, accessible, street-level space located at 303 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It’s a place for civic-minded organizations to meet and diverse groups to come together in dialogue, and serves as an information hub for the Gowanus community. Van Alen regularly hosts meetings for many local groups, including Brooklyn Community Board 6, the Gowanus Oversight Task Force, and Gowanus Mutual Aid, as well as a community fridge operated by One Love Community Fridge.

    For values-aligned nonprofits and community groups, Van Alen offers this space and meeting tech at no cost, while private and corporate space rentals support our mission to create more equitable cities through inclusive design. To inquire about using our space, fill out this form.

  9. CB6 Full Board Meeting

    Comments Off on CB6 Full Board Meeting

    CB6 Full Board Meeting

    Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 pm
    303 Bond Street, Brooklyn

    Brooklyn’s Community Board 6 holds their monthly Full Board meeting at Van Alen Institute. Open to the public.

    For more information about Brooklyn Community Board 6, calendar updates, and meeting agendas, click here or email Mike Racioppo, District Manager at mike@bkcb6.org.


    The Urban Room at Van Alen Institute is a flexible, accessible, street-level space located at 303 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It’s a place for civic-minded organizations to meet and diverse groups to come together in dialogue, and serves as an information hub for the Gowanus community. Van Alen regularly hosts meetings for many local groups, including Brooklyn Community Board 6, the Gowanus Oversight Task Force, and Gowanus Mutual Aid, as well as a community fridge operated by One Love Community Fridge.

    For values-aligned organizations, Van Alen offers this space and meeting tech at no cost, while private space rentals support our mission to create more equitable cities through inclusive design. To inquire about using our space, fill out this form.

  10. Gowanus Houses Community Meeting

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    Gowanus Houses Community Meeting

    Wednesday, April 17, 6–7 pm
    303 Bond Street, Brooklyn

    Residents of Gowanus Houses gather on a monthly basis to discuss programming for the newly reopened Gowanus Houses Community Center. Hosted by NYC’s Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) and Grand Street Settlement.

    These meetings are only open to residents of Gowanus Houses.


    The Urban Room at Van Alen Institute is a flexible, accessible, street-level space located at 303 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It’s a place for civic-minded organizations to meet and diverse groups to come together in dialogue, and serves as an information hub for the Gowanus community. Van Alen regularly hosts meetings for many local groups, including Brooklyn Community Board 6, the Gowanus Oversight Task Force, and Gowanus Mutual Aid, as well as a community fridge operated by One Love Community Fridge.

    For values-aligned nonprofits and community groups, Van Alen offers this space and meeting tech at no cost, while private and corporate space rentals support our mission to create more equitable cities through inclusive design. To inquire about using our space, fill out this form.