Babylon Hopes To Use The Arts To Bring New Energy To Downtowns

BABYLON, NY — Organizers of a new arts initiative hope bringing different types of art to the Town of Babylon will help bring new energy to downtowns and brighten up residents' moods after the recent difficulties of the past few months. The initiative, called Babylon Is Back, is spearheaded by the Babylon Citizens Council On The Arts (BACCA.)

BACCA and the Babylon Local Development Corporation raised a $100,000 endowment from local businesses that will fund a series of murals, sculptures, art classes and a drive-in musical concert.

The effort also aims to support local artists.

Marie Saint-Cyr is an artist who lives in Wyandanch. She's been commissioned to create a mural on the side of a health center in Wyandanch that's currently a blank white wall. She is creating a design with the help of local high school students at Wyandanch High School who were invited by art teacher Jill Lewis.

"Murals and visible art have the opportunity to attract people to that specific location, which can be great for small businesses. Murals are also a great way to beautify a space and while contributing to social, cultural, and economic value of said town. The public art designs can also reflect the cultural values, beliefs, and identity of said town," she told Patch.

Saint-Cyr was initially hard-hit by the pandemic, and all her programs and events as an artist and arts educator were cancelled. She turned to virtual art education ideas and public art projects.

BACCA said the endowment will "beautify our downtowns and support local artists during these difficult financial times."

Saint-Cyr says "I hope that the mural will really beautify the space, provide a way for the high school seniors to learn about public art and for the mural to encourage others to focus on their mental health."