Here Are The 'Open Culture' Streets Coming To Greenwich Vill Area

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY — After the success of the city's Open Streets program this summer, the mayor's office recently introduced a new street permit designation that allows for artistic and cultural programming.

The new program is called "Open Culture" streets, and multiple blocks have already been approved in the Greenwich Village area.

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

Here are the three Open Culture streets that have already been confirmed in coming to the Greenwich Village area.

• King Street between Greenwich Street and Hudson Street
• 6th Avenue between Spring Street and Broom Street
• Dominick Street between Varick Street and 6th Avenue

Two of the three locations are already existing Open Street locations that will be converted into Open Culture streets.

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