East Harlem NYCHA Scaffolding Sheds Gets Makeover From Local Artists

EAST HARLEM, NY — A collection of scaffolding sheds and metallic metal fences outside of an East Harlem NYCHA complex were recently given a major makeover from local artists.

ArtBridge, in partnership with the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Housing Authority, announced last week the completion of 50 art installations from a year's long, citywide public art exhibition process named "Bridging the Divide" that aimed to beautify construction fencing and sidewalk sheds surround 16 different NYCHA sites in the five boroughs.

Included in those different NYCHA sites was the Taft Houses between 112th and 116th streets in East Harlem.

The different installations within the Taft Houses were created by four Harlem artists: Andrea Arroyo, Gwendolyn Black, Dister Rondon, and Coraima Santana.

Of the 50 artists that worked on the different sites, 19 of them were NYCHA residents themselves.

"New York City is home to the most extraordinary creative talent in the world, and nowhere is that more evident — and under appreciated — than among our NYCHA residents," Mayor Eric Adams said in a news release. "I applaud the artists and residents who worked together to bring these incredible artworks to public spaces across the city, and I encourage all New Yorkers to check them out in the months ahead."

The art installations were funded by a $25 million program created by Department of Cultural Affairs and the Mayor's Office to provide relief to New York's art community as part of the city's recovery from the pandemic.

The art installations are expected to remain up through the summer.