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Arts and Culture
Visit www.jamaicafunk.org for the latest on what is happening in Downtown Jamaica - Calendar of events for the whole Downtown - Links and information on local artists - Descriptions and location for Jamaica's historic sites Downtown Jamaica is one of the most vibrant, accessible, diverse, and entrepreneurial centers of urban activity and culture in the New York City region. Once home to many legendary jazz greats, the community once again has a growing reputation as a venue for African-American and Caribbean-American musical performances and music production (reggae, hip-hop, rap, R&B, and pop). It is also home to an increasing number of fashion designers and craft artisans. Cultural Events There are always lots of music, dance, poetry/spoken word, and visual art events and exhibitions happening in Downtown Jamaica. Some of the best places to find out what is going on in Jamaica are the "Events" pages below for: Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) York College Performing Arts Center Queens Library, Jamaica Central Branch Cultural Collaborative Jamaica Downtown Jamaica Cultural District
For a pdf copy of the presentation given at the website launch party outlining the changes currently underway in Downtown Jamaica and how www.jamaicafunk.org is the newest tool to harness these changes to the benefit of the local arts community click here (915k).
The Downtown Jamaica Cultural District is a partnership between local cultural institutions and economic development agencies. The DJCD was created to pursue these objectives:
The partners of the Downtown Jamaica Cultural District are:
The Downtown Jamaica Cultural District Throws its First Event! "Cocktails, Conversations, and Creative Connections" a HUGE success! On February 22nd, 2007 local artists, music producers, fashion designers, and artisans gathered at Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning for a networking event with keynote speaker Danny Simmons, Founder of Rush Arts. The well attended event served as a celebration of local artists and a call for action on what more can be done to make Jamaica a more supportive community for the arts. For a link to the event's website click here: www.creativeconnectionsjamaica.com For the event's invitation flier click here (pdf)
The York College Performing Arts Center is one of the finest state-of-the-art facilities in New York City, with a main stage theater that seats 1,437, and a Little Theater that seats 152. Recent performances have ranged from traditional flamenco music to groups like the Ritz Chamber Players, the nation's first chamber music ensemble comprised solely of accomplished musicians spanning the African-American Diaspora. More information and a calendar of events can be found at http://www.york.cuny.edu/pac/.
In 1972, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation established the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, an educational and visual arts center. Now independent, JCAL has grown into one of the most important cultural institutions in Queens. This vibrant space includes a 1,650 square-foot visual arts gallery, a 99-seat proscenium theater, painting and dance studios, a ceramics studio, a computer lab, and a music studio. For more information, visit http://www.jcal.org. The Landmark Project
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York College Performing Arts Center
Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning
The landmark former First Reformed Church is being transformed into a performing arts center, to be managed by Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL). Cultural Collaborative Jamaica and Black Spectrum Theater are the project's cosponsors. Greater Jamaica Development Corporation assisted in the preservation, protection, and restoration of the building. The church's facade is being carefully restored, and the interior is being transformed to house a 400-seat theater suitable for films, dance, music, rehearsals, performances, and meetings. Other features of this $18 million undertaking include a third-floor community conference room, and additional performance space on the grounds. The renovation will be completed in 2007. Call 718-658-7400 x123 for more information. |