There are so many organizations doing interesting, important and creative work across the Bronx, and a lot of them don’t always get the attention they deserve. From arts organizations and environmental groups to youth programs and organizations preserving Bronx culture, these are some of the local groups I think are worth knowing about.
THE POINT CDC
THE POINT works around three major areas: youth development, arts and culture, and community development. Its programs use arts, education and environmental justice as tools for helping young people and the larger Hunts Point community build a stronger neighborhood.
Youth programs include arts education, photography, hip-hop songwriting, visual arts, circus arts and community organizing. THE POINT also works on environmental justice and community development projects, including efforts around green space and community technology.
Where: 940 Garrison Ave., Hunts Point
Bronx River Art Center
BRAC offers youth programs, exhibitions, artist studios and presenting programs, with an emphasis on using creativity to engage the community. Its work is also closely connected to the Bronx River itself — the organization grew out of early efforts to involve the community in the restoration and stewardship of the river.
Where: 1087 E. Tremont Ave., Bronx
Bronx Council on the Arts
Founded in 1962, BCA supports Bronx artists and arts organizations through grants, professional development, exhibitions, residencies, public programs and other resources. Its programs include the Longwood Arts Project, Bronx Memoir Project, Bronx Artist Registry and Cultural Assets Map.
BCA says it provides direct services to more than 1,000 artists and 250 community-based arts groups each year, making it an important part of the infrastructure supporting the Bronx’s creative community.
Where: 2700 E. Tremont Ave., Bronx
Bronx River Alliance
The Bronx River Alliance is working to protect, restore and improve the Bronx River and the communities around it. The Alliance works with NYC Parks and more than 100 partners on everything from environmental restoration and education to recreation and public access. And you don’t have to be an environmentalist to get involved.
The organization offers community paddles, stewardship opportunities, educational programs and other ways to experience the river. You can even get out on the water during scheduled paddling programs.
Where: Bronx River House at Starlight Park
Rocking the Boat
If you’ve ever wanted to get out on the Bronx River, you may already know Rocking the Boat. The Hunts Point organization works primarily with young people, teaching skills through boatbuilding, environmental science and sailing. Teens can participate in multi-year programs that continue through high school, with academic, social and career support along the way.
But Rocking the Boat isn’t just for enrolled students. Its public programming has included community rowing, sailing and birding, giving New Yorkers a chance to experience the Bronx River themselves.
Where: 812 Edgewater Road, Hunts Point
Bronx Documentary Center
The Bronx Documentary Center (BDC) is a nonprofit gallery and educational space in Melrose focused on photography, film and documentary storytelling. The Center presents exhibitions, screenings, panel discussions and workshops, often exploring issues around justice, education, community and social change. It also has extensive education programs, including the Youth Photo League for middle and high school students and a free Senior Photo League for older Bronx residents.
The BDC is also home to the Latin American Foto Festival, which celebrates the cultures of the Latin American communities represented throughout the Bronx and New York City.
Where: 614 Courtlandt Ave., Bronx
DreamYard
DreamYard has been working with Bronx youth, families and schools since 1994, using art and social justice education to help young people develop their creativity, confidence and sense of community. The organization works with students from elementary school through college and offers arts programming in schools, after-school programs and summer programs. Its work includes visual arts, theater, digital media and other creative disciplines, all connected to its larger focus on equity and social action.
Where: 1085 Washington Ave., Bronx
Windows of Hip Hop
The Bronx is the birthplace of hip-hop, and Windows of Hip Hop is one of the organizations working to preserve that history while making sure young people understand the culture beyond the music. The Bronx-based nonprofit uses hip-hop as a tool for education, community building and youth empowerment, with programming connected to the culture’s foundational elements and its history in the borough.
These are just a few of the organizations helping make the Bronx such a creative, active and community-minded borough. Stay tuned for more…