Spring is a time of new growth, and new beginnings. In Washington Square Park, it’s also when in-Park programs start up again, filling the days (and Park!) with music, dancing, and laughter. Since 2016, WSPC has provided funding in the form of small grants ー$500-$2,000ー to help support community organizations and local arts groups who have built a strong relationship with the Park and Village neighbors. The Conservancy has provided over $24,000 in funding since the program began.

This season is going to be undeniably different from previous years. Due to the PAUSE social distancing restrictions, some Park favorites that have been around for years will not make it outside. But that doesn’t make these organizations any less essential, or any less a part of the fabric of Washington Square Park. Therefore, WSPC has committed to funding our Community Arts Grantees, regardless of their ability to program in the Park this season. Where possible, organizations have been encouraged to create online content that Park users can enjoy at home.

A Washington Square Music Festival performance

“I am overcome,” said Peggy Friedman of the Washington Square Music Festival when she was informed of the $2,000 grant the Conservancy provided. The Music Festival would have celebrated its 61st year in June. But with all permitted events cancelled through at least June 30th, the festival will not be held this year. While the funding won’t be going towards its beloved concerts in the Park, the money  will help them produce some virtual content and keep operations going so they can come back next year. 

Nine organizations have been awarded nearly $14,000 in grants for the 2020 season: The Washington Square Music Festival; Dances for a Variable Population; Films on the Green; NY Laughs; Street Lab; The Village Trip; the Washington Square Park Folk Festival; Theater for the New City; and new this year, Children’s Museum of the Arts. These organizations offer a wide range of programming, from musical and dance performances to foreign film screenings and comedy acts, and activities for children to expand their horizons.

Street Lab in the Park during the 2019 Season with their DrawNYC pop-up studio

“It will be a new normal,” says Leslie Davol, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Street Lab, an organization which creates engaging programs for public spaces and has set up a library and draw station in the Park’s NW corner the past six years. “Our mission is to bring people together in their communities. That’s going to have to look different, since social distancing will likely continue even after the quarantine lifts. But our programs are going to be more essential than ever, people are really craving that human connection we help foster.” 

We’re looking forward to the time when we can all be back outside together. While we’ll miss some of our favorite programs this season, we’ll find other ways to stay connected and enjoy them from inside. And when the PAUSE lifts and we start to recover, WSPC’s commitment to our Arts Grantees ensures that the events you love will return to the Park for many seasons to come.