So much publicity this spring was devoted to the expelling of artists at 111 First St. in Jersey City, one would have thought thousands of people were involved instead of the hundred or so. I have had intense arguments with locals about just what exactly was lost when those artists dispersed. The popular view is that the area suffered a cultural decline; all of us subsequently suffered.
Allow me to disagree.
With the exception of the yearly artists’ tour (which, let’s be honest, is a promotional event for the artists more than a citywide cultural happening), when were those artists ever seriously involved in their community in any capacity? Before the threats to remove them, they isolated themselves far from the hardcore problems the city and its thousands of non-artist residents faced. Were the volunteer artists conducting workshops or lectures in the city’s school system? Did they care about low-income families being driven out when real estate values sky-rocketed, leading to rent increases? Did they realize their rents were lower than surrounding buildings, or that they weren’t even supposed to be living in what were strictly studios?
In essence, did they ever really become part of their community in any important sense? Is it any wonder vast numbers of the populace greeted their eviction with indifference?
But, one may argue, artists need to focus on their work. The results of that work and its impact on people constitute their value to a community. Hmmm. I did the artist tour many times, went to dozens of openings, and knew more than a few of these people. Conclusion: Only a handful had the kind of talent that leads to sales, positive critiques, representation and impact. Most of those artists were simply not good enough to make a living strictly from their work, or have agents, patrons, etc. Like most art, their stuff was overpriced; so few could afford the work. It added another component to the separation of artist and community.
It was inevitable that people who created and existed in their own exclusionary biosphere did not get support either from locals or politicians, especially with all of the city’s more vital problems.
In contrast, the Miller Library on Bergen Avenue, long targeted for demolition, was saved by a vocal, organized group of citizens, who, over 20 years later, are still urging their community to save this institution. The place offers a series of free events ranging from music, dance, spoken word, instruction, anything that will stimulate the citizens it services, including children. They welcome outsiders, provide free refreshments, lots of smiles, an oasis of culture in a tough area. There is an unquestioned sense of community when you enter that building.
Finally, the landlord forgave the tenants of 111 First St. six months rent, though he had every right to collect, which amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars he lost and they saved. Wouldn’t you like the same amnesty?
If the warehouse consisted entirely of poets or mimes, would the same generosity apply? Five months later, are any of our lives changed one bit? – Joe Del Priore
Joe Del Priore is a frequent contributor to the Current. Have a comment in return, or an opinion or essay of your own? Send comments to: current@hudsonreporter.com