Advocacy Alert: Act Now to Create Permanent Affordable Arts Space in Long Island City
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Advocacy Alert: Act Now to Create Permanent Affordable Arts Space in Long Island City
Act Now to Create Permanent Affordable Arts Space in Long Island City
Right now, dance workers have the opportunity to protect Our New York City Dance by creating permanently affordable, community-owned arts space in Long Island City, Queens. Join us in fighting for an equitable rezoning plan that centers the needs of arts workers and New Yorkers.
What is happening?
Long Island City is going through a massive rezoning process that will impact all of New York City. In response, the Western Queens Community Land Trust is calling for the creation of the Queensborough People’s Space—a community-owned, permanently affordable hub for studio and rehearsal spaces, small business, light manufacturing, care centers, and more. This is part of a broader push for community-led development, centering affordable housing, investments in NYCHA and public infrastructure, green spaces, and the protection of public land.
Why does this matter?
In the State of NYC Dance 2023 Report, both dance workers and entities named space as one of their top five needs. At the same time, 74% of dance workers are renters—making them especially vulnerable to being pushed out when development does not prioritize housing affordability. Equitable rezoning that includes affordable arts spaces is key to ensuring our workers can stay embedded in their communities.
What can you do?
- Email city officials to support community-centered development including the Queensborough People’s Space.
- Write a letter of support for the Queensborough People’s Space and send it to info@wqclt.org.
Together, we can fight for development that supports cultural and community resilience over private interests.
