5 'Open Culture' Streets Coming To Park Slope

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — After the success of the city's Open Streets program last summer, the mayor's office is rolling out a new program that will allow arts and cultural events on New York City streets.

More than 50 of the "Open Culture" streets will be found in Brooklyn, including 15 in and around Park Slope. The program will let organizations apply to host events on the streets any time before Oct. 31.

"We're inviting cultural institutions, dance troops, 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 or near Park Slope (streets found in the neighborhood are marked with an asterisk):

• *St. Marks Avenue BETWEEN 6th Avenue AND Flatbush Avenue
• Whitwell Place BETWEEN 1st Street AND Carroll Street
• 6th Street BETWEEN 3rd Avenue AND 2nd Avenue
• 7th Street BETWEEN 3rd Avenue AND 2nd Avenue
• Beverly Road BETWEEN Church Avenue AND East 2nd Street
• Degraw Street BETWEEN Nevins Street AND 3rd Avenue
• Sackett Street BETWEEN 3rd Avenue AND 4th Avenue
• Sackett Street BETWEEN Nevins Street AND 3rd Avenue
• Douglass Street BETWEEN Bond Street AND Hoyt Street
• *4th Street BETWEEN 5th Avenue AND Mid-block
• President Street BETWEEN 4th Avenue AND 3rd Avenue
• Union Street BETWEEN Hoyt Street AND Bond Street
• *Garfield Place BETWEEN 8th Avenue AND Prospect Park West
• *Lincoln Place BETWEEN 6th Avenue AND 7th Avenue
• *Park Place BETWEEN 7th Avenue AND Flatbush Avenue

Find the full list of Open Culture streets here.

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 reporters Nick Garber and Gus Saltonstall contributed.