City Switches 2 'Open Culture' Streets In Wash Heights And Inwood

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — A new street-permit program is expected to soon get underway across the city called "Open Culture" streets, which is a designation that closes off roads to allow for artistic and cultural performances.

Performances that can take place on Open Culture streets include theater, music, comedy, and dance acts. The events can be either free or ticketed.

When the city first released the list of streets that would take part in the Open Culture program, there were four locations in Washington Heights and Inwood. However, it now looks like two of those locations have been exchanged for two other Upper Manhattan streets.

Here are the four Upper Manhattan Open Culture streets now listed by the city:

• Jumel Terrace between West 160th Street and Sylvan Terrace
• Jumel Terrace between Sylvan Terrace and West 162nd Street
• Bennett Avenue between West 181st Street and West 182nd Street
• Cumming Street between Seaman Avenue and Broadway

The Open Culture streets at West 181st Street in Washington Heights and Cumming Street in Inwood have replaced two Open Culture blocks originally listed on Dyckman Street.

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.

How Does It Work?

Open Culture streets will function similarly to the Open Streets for pedestrians and restaurants seen this summer.

The 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 can't 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 and for events on consecutive days, all elements of the performance must be removed overnight and the street must be reopened.

Additionally, 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.
You can find out more about Open Culture streets and what type of organizations can register for the permit — here.