Bridging Communities- Press Release

MEDIA ADVISORY

Join local artists, activists and community leaders at the:

Unveiling of the Bridging Communities Mural

June 15, 2022

5:30PM

5th Street between 46th Ave/46th Road

Long Island City, NYC 11101

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For Immediate Release

Art has the power to bring communities together, as demonstrated by the vibrant new mural local artists created as part of The Blue Bus Project mission to amplify all voices and rejuvenate streets, parks, schools and alternative spaces by making art available to all.

Inspired by the community, the “Bridging Communities” mural honors themes of “community”, and celebrates the pride and joy of the many cultures and peoples represented in the Queensbridge and Hunters Point neighborhoods of Long Island City, Queens in New York City.

Bridging Communities is made possible through grants from the Citizens Committee for New York City, and Queens Council on the Arts and the generous support of PLAXALL Properties.

June 8, 2022

The Blue Bus Project Mobile Art Gallery will unveil a community mural located at 5th street between 46th Avenue and 46th Road in Long Island City on June 15th, 2022. Inspired by the community, the mural is the centerpiece of the “Bridging Communities” project. It represents the Queensbridge and Hunters Point neighborhoods of Long Island City in Queens, New York. The mural celebrates the spirit of unity, solidarity and mutual respect and the pride and joy of the many cultures and peoples represented in this neighborhood located in the “world’s borough” of Queens.

Queens is the most diverse county in the United States and home to over 800 languages and over 1.1 million immigrants. Queensbridge Housing is North America’s largest housing project, and is owned by the New York City Housing Authority. It contains 96 buildings and 3,142 units accommodating approximately 7,000 people in two separate complexes. Hunters Point is in the top 20 fastest growing “hyper-urban” neighborhoods, the third in the nation for apartment construction, with almost 22,000 new residents since 2010.

Led by artist and muralist, Carla Torres, and under the creative direction of Annalisa Iadicicco, the founder of The Blue Bus Project, the concept of the mural was developed by engaging community youth, residents and park goers through informal conversations and focus groups, and painted in collaboration with the community in late May. The dialogue increased awareness of cultural differences and similarities that exist within the community and were translated by the muralists into a design incorporating the icons, symbols & colors significant to both cultures.

The goal is to bridge and unite Queensbridge and Hunters Point by providing a platform for participants to exchange and discuss ideas, and to work together on a project that builds trust and engagement, as well as beautify and benefit the community at large. By creating this healing space in the streets, the artwork will stand as an everlasting symbol of pride and collaboration that further serves as an example that through unity and collaboration a shared vision will be realized.

“The purpose of recruiting participants from two distinctly different LIC communities

is to facilitate crossing geographic boundaries to exchange ideas, foster a cultural bridge, and promote unity.” –– Annalisa Iadicicco, Founder & Creative Direct of The Blue Bus Project.

This mural is made possible (in part) by the Queens Council on the Arts with public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, with additional support from the Citizen Committee for New York City and sponsorship funding from local family-owned business, Plaxall.

About The Blue Bus Project

The Blue Bus Project is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that brings participatory arts events into underserved communities throughout NYC, heightening awareness about social and environmental issues, and encouraging change through visual, performance, and interdisciplinary art workshops.

As a mobile platform, the repurposed school bus hosts projects in public parks, community centers, and NYCHA housing complexes, partnering local organizations with artists to design programs for the specific needs of a community.

“Bridging Communities” Mural

Produced By

THE BLUE BUS PROJECT

Awarded Grant

Queens Council on The Arts (QCA)

Citizen Committee for New York City (CCNY)

Location

5th street between 46th Ave and 46th Road, Long Island City, NY 11101

Muralist: Carla Torres

Creative Director: Annalisa Iadicicco

Community Partner: Jacob A. Riis Settlement House

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