Dear friends, This May, I am organizing two panels at the Flux Factory in LIC, Queens, focused on financial stability and cultural equity of art and culture institutions in NYC, which will also explore the way that neighborhood location factors into this equation. I really hope you will be able to attend one or both panels and participate in the conversation! Art & Community Development Discussion Wednesday May 10th, 7pm-9pm Flux Factory Gallery<https://www.google.com/maps/place/Flux+Factory/@40.7525907,-73.9349629,15z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0x1285da12d00d6574?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjMhJCkxazTAhUr94MKHasoA5IQ_BIIdzAN> RSVP on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/events/1275566815896660/?notif_t=plan_user_joined¬if_id=1492466552552694> Art programming and community development can have a symbiotic or an adversarial relationship. On one hand, art spaces, from non-commercial community spaces to for-profit galleries, can be used by real estate interests to package neighborhoods and hasten gentrification. On the other hand, art and culture often plays a role in helping communities self-identify, develop identities, and as an organizing tool against displacement. In this panel we will explore the messy relationship between community development, art, and gentrification, as well as the line between the artist and community member in New York City. Further, we will brainstorm about potential ways to use art and culture programming and spaces to mitigate displacement. Panelists: Mei Lum, Wing on Wo & Co (W.O.W) Project Rosemary Reyes, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation/Department of Cultural Affairs Patrick Dougher, Groundswell Catherine Green, ARTs East New York Who Produces NYC's Culture? Thursday May 25, 7pm-9pm Flux Factory Gallery<https://www.google.com/maps/place/Flux+Factory/@40.7525907,-73.9349629,15z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0x1285da12d00d6574?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjMhJCkxazTAhUr94MKHasoA5IQ_BIIdzAN> RSVP on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/events/682315125302971/> The life and death of non-commercial art and culture organizations in New York City today is tied very closely to their ability to negotiate with the market, both to maintain a physical presence and to sustain long-term programming. The spaces that ultimately succeed tend to be those that have access to wealth or the expert knowledge and social networks necessary to effectively fundraise. This reinforces existing hierarchies by limiting the ability of marginalized groups to define what New York City's culture will look like. During this panel, we will explore ways in which non-commercial art and culture organizations can promote equity both through their programming and through their organizational structure and fundraising, while surviving in a world of decreasing resources and in NYC. Panelists: Taja Cheek, PS1 Noé Gaytán, Michelada Think Tank Ali Rosa-Salas, Independent curator Risa Shoup, Spaceworks Antonio Serna, artists of color bloc ------ Oksana Mironova