Every Monday, we showcase our Artist of the Week, followed by a list of other exhibits or events where you might catch some beauty. Today, we turn the lens on ourselves in the hope that you might support us – so we can continue supporting artists.
Art and artists are essential to the community. And it’s been a tough year on many fronts, but certainly for the arts.
For more than five years, we have featured a new artist every week, amplifying their work and giving each a $100 microgrant with no submission fee and no strings attached. Beyond that, this archive of hundreds of artists becomes a font for annual curated exhibitions in public spaces to source.
This year’s annual exhibition (still up at The Local in Long Island City) was our largest yet, featuring more than 20 artists representing the vibrant diversity that defines this city and must continue to do so.
Our supporters often remark that they have never seen an organization that sits at the intersection of journalism, art and community service like Epicenter. We agree – and that’s why we started this endeavor five years ago. Just as the pandemic gave rise to us, today’s challenges are giving us the momentum needed to remain a vital resource.
The arts programming we embrace, curate and activate aims to have impact and resonate in the public sphere. For example, the art we curated on Jackson Heights’ 34th Avenue Open Street (taking concrete blocks and transforming them into works of art and utility) just recently became a permanent feature of the neighborhood as Paseo Park that has been recognized globally as an example of transforming public city space.
Our vision for future physical Epicenter spaces, or hubs, seeks to redefine the model of museums and galleries into something more participatory that reflects local cultures and addresses their needs, rather than seeing audiences as passive spectators. As for existing museums, we have had an impact there also, serving as media partners and organizing upcoming exhibitions for the New-York Historical Society and the New York Hall of Science that have broadened their spectrum of visitors. Our partnerships and collaborations have brought the artists we work with more visibility and have brightened and beautified the neighborhoods we serve.
Whether it’s small individual donations or the support of philanthropic foundations, both help us advance our vision for the arts as a component of our journalism and storytelling, fostering the wellbeing of the New York City community. We appreciate you greatly.
Have a safe and happy journey to 2026.
