Designers: Let’s activate vacant storefronts together!

In Spring 2025, our Design Sprints program will partner with NYC’s Department of Small Business Services to explore the intersection between arts programming and economic development, with a focus on areas with high storefront vacancy. Design Sprints: Building Creative Capacity will help community-based development organizations (CBDOs) address storefront vacancy in creative ways by providing capacity-building, design support, and strategic planning. This program commences in late January, culminating in an activated storefront in Spring 2025.

We’re currently seeking design advisors to assist one or more CBDO in an immediate storefront activation and/or a district-wide strategy on storefront activations. Design advisors may come from a variety of backgrounds including, but not limited to:

• Graphic Design
• Architecture
• Fabrication
• Urban Planning & Public Policy
• Engineering
• Lighting Design

To apply, complete this brief form. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and matches will be made by the first week of February.

Have questions? Contact Joseph Messana-Croly, Project Manager, at jmessanacroly@vanalen.org.

Design Sprints: Building Creative Capacity is supported by the NYC Department of Small Business Services.