A Dozen 'Open Culture' Streets To Be Set Up Near Prospect Heights

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, 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 a dozen in and around Prospect and Crown Heights. 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 Prospect and Crown Heights:

• Ashland Place BETWEEN Fulton Street AND Lafayette Avenue
• Hanson Place BETWEEN South Portland Avenue AND South Elliott place
• Hanson Place BETWEEN South Oxford Street AND South Portland Avenue
• South Oxford Street BETWEEN Lafayette Avenue AND Fulton Street
• South Oxford Street BETWEEN Atlantic Commons AND Hanson Place
• St. Felix Street BETWEEN Fulton Street AND Lafayette Avenue
• St. Felix Street BETWEEN Hanson Place AND Lafayette Avenue
• Carlton Avenue BETWEEN Flatbush Avenue AND Park Place
• Fort Greene Place BETWEEN Lafayette Avenue AND Hanson Place
• Rockwell Place BETWEEN Fulton Street AND DeKalb Avenue
• Rockwell Place BETWEEN Fulton Street AND Lafayette Avenue
• South Portland Avenue BETWEEN Hanson Place AND Atlantic Avenue [Existing Open Street Location]
• Bond Street BETWEEN Livingston Street AND Fulton Street

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.