Greenpoint Arts Block Festival was a neighborhood street festival consisting of various cultural, educational, and recreational events with the goal of promoting both Polish and local artists, highlighting the Polish identity of Greenpoint, and integrating its old and new inhabitants.

During the event artists and craftsmen had stands for presenting and selling their works and products (paintings, prints, jewelry, toys, clothes, books, cosmetics, etc.) There was a photo exhibit highlighting the changes in Greenpoint since the 80s along with an exhibit from the workshop series “People of Greenpoint,” which portrays the neighborhood’s inhabitants and their unique story.

 The event had performances from both Polish and non-Polish musicians: a classical trio playing Polish Composers (Slavic Art Ensemble), Luiz Simas/Basia Błonska Brazillan choro, Sylwia Kloc & The Troubadours —progressive folk, jazz standards with a touch of Polish folk by the Dorota Piotrowska Project, and Talking Strings (gypsy jazz band).

In addition to Polish delicacies there were French (Le Fond), Italian (Adelina’s), and Spanish (El Born) cuisine street fare available to highlight Greenpoint’s multicultural character. For those interested in Polish flavors there was a workshop by local modern Polish cuisine specialist Karolina Gumpert.

There was a variety of activities for kids and families: a photo booth, educational contests with prizes (Dobra Polska Szkoła), art workshops (Artbox Atelier), face painting, a balloon artist, a guided tour in Greenpoint with Norman Oder, urban games, board games, and more!

An important part of the event was the non-profit presence–we gathered local organization that offer services to both the Polish and local community and act towards Greenpoint well being.

See detailed Program Greenpoint Arts Block Festival 09.26.2015

Greenpoint Arts Block Festival wa organized by the Brooklyn Public Library, Culture Shock Foundation, and New York Dance & Arts Innovations. It is co-financed by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Polish Cultural Institute in New York, Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union and Polish & Slavic Center. Partners are: Slavic Art Ensemble, ArtBox Atelier, Kurier Plus, Radio Rampa, Dobra Polska Szkoła, Greenpointpl.com, Super Express New York, Presspol and Nowy Dziennik.