westchester square

WELCOME TO BCA’S FUTURE HOME!

BCA’s future headquarters serves as the springboard for cultural revival. "When the light goes on for a public event, it won't be on just here but in the entire neighborhood," Maria Romano, Director of BCA's Bronx Writers Center, said at the announcement of the new building this past April. "We will be part of the revitalization of this community." With the move, BCA will be more accessible to Bronx residents, artists and cultural and community organizations. A spike in cultural participation, in turn, will help rekindle what was once a vibrant economic district. By continuing to sponsor concerts, workshops and holiday events in the Square, as well as expanding Bronx Writers Center programs, BCA will boost local businesses and bring an influx of new potential customers to the area.   Building our Artist Community BCA launched a professional development series for artists, the first official program at its future headquarters, beginning its pledge to bring an expansion of support and services to artists, businesses, and families alike. The series taught artists and cultural organizations the art of networking and how to create earned-income/business plans based on assets they already have. Five seed grants of $2,500 will be given for the most accomplished and best prepared plans with support from the New York Community Trust and the National Endowment for the Arts. Winners will also receive access to consultants who will rework and help improve the business plans even further.   Highlights from the Workshops October 4 - Orientation Ron Kavanaugh sums up how workshops like BCA’s really help artists gain ground and plan long-term success. (Shown right) “Oftentimes when you start a business, it’s literally in your head. You run it from home, you do all the math and calendar planning in your head. The great thing about business planning is it frees up all that space in your head.” -Ron Kavanaugh   November 1 - Overview workshop Prince Thomas, from Lehman Small Business Development Center, gives a walkthrough on key elements to emphasize in your business plan. (Shown Left) “These business plans give projections on how you should be doing based on industry trends and your past performance. And it’s all benchmarking: seeing where you are now and seeing where you should be in 2012 or 2013." -Prince Thomas   November 8 - Finance for planning Steve Franciosa (CPA & Professor at Iona College) and Dart Westphal (Support Center) share tips on how to wisely manage your time and money. (Shown right) “You have to be very careful that you don’t avail yourself of business cash for personal expenditures.” -Steve Franciosa “You have got to pull some time, especially in the beginning, to manage your own business that does not involve doing your thing.” -Dart Westphal   November 15 - Marketing Jennifer Edwards (Edwards and Skybetter) discusses the importance of expanding your audience, communicating with them effectively, and knowing what they want. (Shown Left) “It’s really important to not just focus on your field but to start listening to your community, hear what’s important to them, and see where your work intersects with what’s important to them. Find out what the hot topics are for your area.” -Jennifer Edwards   Building our Local Community   BCA and the Huntington Free Library The Color of Heroes - Marionettes with a Messsage This October, little ones and their families were treated to free marionette shows in Westchester Square, at both the Huntington Free Library and the Bronx Writers Center. Puppeteer Nilda Garces’ characters sprang to life, thanks to the children’s enthusiasm and participation. The young audience also learned valuable lessons on what to do in emergencies. The program, supported by the NYC Office of Emergency Management, is an example of the family-oriented services that BCA will provide in its future neighborhood.   Nilda Garces shows the children how to prepare for harrowing situations and what to do if they occur. (Shown Left) “This is the way we do it: we prepare two bags! One is a ready bag. Do you know what a ready bag is? That’s in case the lights go out, or we can’t use the refrigerator, or something happens, but we can stay home. So we have a ready bag!” -Nilda Garces   Craft Workshops Free craft workshops at Huntington Free Library bring families together in a fun arts setting. Parents and their kids create a range of items -- everything from crocheted flower pins to stuffed Halloween ghosts.   BCA and the Owen Dolen Center The Owen Dolen Center, a cultural staple in the Westchester Square community, works with BCA to host programs for youth, families and senior citizens. Fashion doll shows, cultural celebrations, and arts & crafts workshops are some of the events BCA has sponsored here. Annual Fair at the Square 2011 Despite an overcast sky, it was Bronx families, not rain, that came pouring into Westchester Square on Saturday, May 14. Over 5,000 people enjoyed games, street vendors, and ethnically diverse food and music.   Upcoming Events at Huntington Free Library Saturday, December 17 2011, 12:30 - 3:00pm: Holiday Bling with Lis Ortiz. Create original and personalized jewelry ‒ a perfect last-minute gift for yourself or for someone special. Supplies will be provided, but you are encouraged bring beads you’d like to recycle. Saturday, January 21 2012, 12:30 - 3:00pm: Greeting Cards with Laura Alvarez. Create your own original greeting cards! Saturday, February 18 2012, 12:30 - 3:00pm: Mask Making with Lucrecia Novoa. Join our mask maker extraordinaire and create an original mask to wear or display. Saturday, March 17 2012, 12:30 - 3:00 pm: Recycle Art with Star Nigro. Learn cool and clever ways to make great eco-logical art. Construct a masterpiece by creatively recycling old & new elements. Fun for everyone! Saturday, April 21 2012, 12:30 - 3:00 pm: Mother’s Day Gifts with Denise Shelley. Create a handmade gift for yourself or someone you love. Re-purposed and new materials will be combined to make a memorable Mother’s Day treasure.   Upcoming Events at Owen Dolen Center Tuesday, December 27 2011, 6:00 - 8:00pm: Kwanzaa Celebration The children will learn and perform the traditional dance. They will do the seven principles as well as the traditional ceremony. They will eat traditional food. Friday, January 6 2012, 6:00 - 8:00pm: Three Kings Celebration Children will parade around as villagers, three wise men, Joseph and Mary. The seniors, ASP , REACH, teens and outside dancers will perform. Friday, Febuary 24 2012, 6:00 - 8:00pm: Black History Event The children will display African American Heroes all over the center. They will do a skit and a musical. They will be performers and dinner. Every Wednesday through June 6, 2012 10:00am to 12:00pm Arts & Crafts for Seniors with Fran Marino Admission is free and all are welcome! Every Friday through June 8, 2012 4:00 to 6:00pm Dance/Fitness After-School Program with Milteri Tucker Admission is free and all are welcome!

BCA Brings a Vision of Innovation & Growth in its Move to the Neighborhood

Fair @ The Square, co-sponsored by BCA and the Westchester Square Merchants and Businesses, brought multitudes of people into the Westchester Square section of the Bronx in May. Some gathered just to hang out and enjoy the day (l.) while younger groups created their own art at the afternoon craft tables (r.).

Located at the intersection of East Tremont and Westchester Avenues in the Central Bronx, the Westchester Square neighborhood is active and coming alive. Since the early 1990s, Westchester Square 's merchants have suffered from the absence of a major anchor retailer to draw consumers to the area. The Bronx Council on the Arts plans to help fill this void by making Westchester Square its new home. BCA will begin renovations at 2700 East Tremont Avenue in 2012. BCA will infuse arts & cultural programming to foster economic revitalization and enhance the vitality of the district

Westchester Square possesses numerous assets that facilitate artistic and cultural growth. These resources make the Square attractive to those seeking arts programs and services, bringing many new potential customers to the area's business community.

A few key features are:

NYC Council Member James Vacca (l.) is surrounded by young supporters as he joins us at a recent Westchester Square event while an outside craft table (r.) enthralls the young ones and their families.

In Westchester Square, BCA will replicate the success it's had in bringing audiences and visitors to the South Bronx Cultural Corridor (thanks in large part to the Bronx Culture Trolley). This success has been predicated on the integration of arts and culture with sound business development practices. Likewise, BCA will aim to actively help build a Westchester Square where local artists and cultural programs not only spur economic development, but also raise the area's profile as a great place to live and do business.

Furthermore, BCA will not be alone in these efforts. The Bronx Business Alliance will assist with fundraising and small business development. The following partners will also support BCA's mission by reaching out to the community and/or cultivating new programs:

Association of Merchants and Business Professionals of Westchester Square

The group works toward the stabilization, commercial revitalization and economic growth of the commercial corridor, and the surrounding community, of Westchester Square . These efforts will be fortified by the Westchester Square Business Improvement District, which will be implemented upon final approval.

Westchester Square/Zerega Improvement Organization

A non-profit founded in 1990 by a group of Westchester Square parents with young children. Over the years -- via advocacy, an arts and crafts program, and special events -- they have taken on the role of community activists, addressing major issues that affect the lives of local children and neighbors.

Office of Council Member James Vacca

Council member Vacca, representing the Westchester Square area, has vigorously aided in efforts to increase social capital in the Square by providing funds for arts programming and activities.

Office of NY Congressman Joseph Crowley

Congressman Crowley has been a strong proponent of BCA's move to the Square, and he has played an active role in making the move a reality.

NYC Parks & Recreation Owen Dolen Center

A focal point for community programs and celebrations, the space will play an even larger role after its $2 million renovation, which is set to be completed by 2012.

Huntington Free Library

A New York City landmark, this turn-of-the-century library houses materials on Bronx history and hosts various BCA workshops.

Hutchinson Metro Center

The 42-acre development site features more than 30 business tenants and thousands of employees; the center has been home to free, seasonal lunchtime concerts in past summers, something that BCA will continue.

Bronx Underground

The Bronx Underground is a DIY (do it yourself) booking and promotions company based in the Bronx . Its mission is to bring new live music to the Bronx -- "music by the kids, for the kids."

The East Bronx History Forum

The East Bronx History Forum meets monthly to discuss Bronx history.

Lehman High School

A public high school with more than 4,000 students, Lehman H.S. is located right outside Westchester Square . The student body serves as a potential market for Square merchants and arts programs.

BCA and its partners have devised a number of specific strategies meant to restore Westchester Square 's reputation as a Bronx hot spot. These include:

BCA is confident that it can build upon its strong track record of promoting artist development and public participation in the arts. In Westchester Square, the seeds for an economic and cultural boom have already been sown. BCA now places the burden on itself to make the Square a prime destination once again; a bustling center of business, cultural activity, and overall prosperity is the vision that BCA expects to fulfill.

(this map is currently being updated)