The vacant storefronts at 165 and 167 Avenue C on the Lower East Side have been transformed into a unique art installation called “Placeholders.” The display is a tribute to the vibrant community of Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) cooperatives in the area, which are collectively owned and operated by residents. HDFCs are a special type of affordable housing that has been a result of decades of grassroots organizing in the neighborhood.
The installation, created by local artist Delphine Le Goff, features items from local businesses located in HDFCs, showcasing the diversity and richness of the community. Some of the items on display include a camera from the Fourth Street Photo Gallery, the city’s oldest Black-owned photography studio, as well as a hand-painted mortar and pestle from the Puerto Rican restaurant Casa Adela. Additionally, handmade Mexican folk art from La Sirena is also part of the exhibit.
The “Placeholders” installation is a joint project between the Cooper Square Committee, Scott Kelly, and Delphine Le Goff, as part of the “Design Sprints: Building Creative Capacity” initiative. This initiative is a collaboration between the Van Alen Institute and the NYC Department of Small Business Services, aiming to promote creative and community-driven solutions for urban development.
The displays will be on view through June, with a closing reception scheduled for June 27. The Cooper Square Committee website provides more information about the project, as well as contact details for local artists, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs interested in finding commercial space in the neighborhood. The website also lists HDFC storefronts on the Lower East Side, highlighting the unique character of the community.
Overall, “Placeholders” is a celebration of the Lower East Side’s diverse and vibrant community, and a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and collective ownership. By showcasing the unique character of HDFC cooperatives, the installation aims to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of this special type of affordable housing, and the community that it serves.