11 'Open Culture' Streets Coming To Harlem

HARLEM, NY — After the success of the city's Open Streets program last summer, the mayor's office is rolling out a new street permit designation will allow artistic and cultural programming.

Harlem is home to 11 of the streets, where organizations can apply to host events anytime before Oct. 31.

"We're inviting cultural institutions, dance troupes, theaters, everyone — apply to be a part of this extraordinary program," Mayor Bill de Blasio said earlier this month. "We want your performances to be seen."

The events can be free or ticketed.

Here are the Open Culture streets coming to Harlem:

Central/West Harlem:

• Morningside Avenue between West 114th Street and West 115th Street (Existing Open Street Location)
• Morningside Avenue between West 115th Street and West 116th Street (Existing Open Street Location)
• West 124th Street between St. Nicholas Avenue and Morningside Avenue
• West 143rd Street between Lenox Avenue and 5th Avenue
• Hamilton Place between West 142nd Street and West 143rd Street

East Harlem:

• East 103rd Street between Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue
• East 104th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• East 104th Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue
• East 105 Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• East 108th Street between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue
• East 101st Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer said the city added 10 uptown streets after her office complained that none above 116th Street were initially included.

Applications for Open Culture streets opened on March 1 and will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program will run through Oct. 31, 2021, but it's not clear when the first performances on Open Culture streets will be held.

How Does It Work?

Open Culture streets will function much like the Open Streets for pedestrians and restaurants that were rolled out last summer.

The designated blocks will be closed off to vehicle traffic during the day, allowing for different types of artistic performances to take place safely in the middle of the street.

However, performances cannot block off sidewalks, and at least five feet of walkway must be provided for pedestrians at all times. Event elements are not allowed to be placed on the sidewalk at all.

Permits for the performances are limited to 12 hours. For events on consecutive days, all elements of the performance must be removed overnight and the street must be reopened.

Security and safe closure of the street is the responsibility of the organization that secures the permit, and the group must also obtain No Parking signs from local NYPD precincts before the event takes place.

Afterward, the organization hosting the event is also responsible for the cleanup.

All events and performances must also comply with current COVID-19 safety protocols.

Read more about Open Culture streets and how to apply here.

Patch reporter Gus Saltonstall contributed.