The Hudson River Museum in Yonkers will receive a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to create two public art installations and cultural programs for Van Der Donck Daylighting Park, a nationally recognized park at Larkin Plaza and the Hudson River Walk.
According to a City of Yonkers press release, the developments will be central parts of the city’s multi-year revitalization of Yonkers’ historic downtown district. The City of Yonkers will contribute $150,000 in addition to the NEA’s donation.
Austrian-born artist Erwin Redl, famous for his innovative use of LED light displays and outdoor art, will design a permanent installation in Van Der Donck. John Morton, an artist who primarily works with sounds, will work with Yonkers residents to create an aural history of the city.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said the development would “continue the growing arts movement in Yonkers while promoting Yonkers’ rich and diverse history, and contribute to making our downtown a desirable community in which to live, work and play for years to come.”
“We are grateful to the NEA and our partners at Hudson River Museum and Groundwork Hudson Valley for their commitment to the continued revitalization of downtown Yonkers,” he added.
NEA Chairman Jane Chu said the Hudson River Museum stood out from the 275 applicants for promoting and maintaining community involvement in the arts.
“The Hudson River Museum demonstrates the best in creative community development and whose work will have a valuable impact on its community,” Chu said.
You can visit www.arts.gov for a full list of projects being recommended for Our Town grants, and look for a more in-depth look at Yonkers’ ongoing revitalization projects in Westchester Magazine’s August issue on sale this/next week.