FAB Launches Program to Increase Affordable Dance Space Rental in EV

By: Dec. 14, 2010
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On December 8, 2010 Fourth Arts Block (FAB) launched the pilot of Dance Block, a new program designed to increase the amount of affordable dance rental space in the East 4th Street Cultural District, East Village and Lower East Side. Through Dance Block, FAB is assisting with the scheduling, booking and logistics of renting spaces during off-peak hours, blocks of time that are often difficult to rent due to the challenges inherent in running low-cost rehearsal space. With its pilot partner, Rod Rodgers Dance Company & Studios, FAB is offering an additional 40 hours a week of $10 per hour rehearsal space in two beautiful studio spaces, currently renting through the end of January.

"For a long time, I have been frustrated by the amount of quality space that sits empty during the day on East 4th Street and other neighborhood venues. Renting space is time consuming, and that makes it harder to keep it affordable. Dance Block will help spaces with limited staff or other infrastructure challenges take steps to get the most out of their available rental space," says Tamara Greenfield, Executive Director of FAB. "We love being able to share our dance studios with other dance companies and dancers through Dance Block, as affordable rehearsal space is getting harder to find," says Rachel Lubell, General Manager of Rod Rodgers Dance Company.

Renters can visit www.fabnyc.org/danceblock.php for schedules and details on available space. FAB's staff is available to answer questions and book space Monday-Friday 9am-6pm; all rentals are on a first come, first serve basis.

Dance Block will continue to expand to new studios in January and February, with the short term goal of creating an additional 100 hours a week of available and highly affordable rental space on East 4th Street. "Hopefully, we will find simple solutions to problems facing multiple organizations, from answering the phone to unlocking studios, giving more dancers access to space and helping our members maximize their rental potential," said Greenfield. This pilot program is generously funded by the Mertz Gilmore Foundation.

About Fourth Arts Block
Fourth Arts Block (FAB), founded in 2001, works to improve and promote the East 4th Street Cultural District and surrounding artistic community, which has supported creative diversity and experimentation for more than 30 years. FAB provides a variety of services, including leading the development and conversion of 100,000 square feet of cultural space, marketing the East Village as an arts destination, and supporting the capacity of artists and arts organizations through creative solutions to collective challenges. For more information, visit www.fabnyc.org.



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