The very cornerstone of this burgeoning neighborhood is Industry City, centered on Bush Terminal, a building founded in the 1890’s by American industrialist Irving T. Bush. “Our vision was to restore the complex to its former dynamism,” explains Industry City developer Michael Phillips. “Over the past five years, we have begun to realize that vision, cultivating a diverse, cutting-edge tenancy that includes modern manufacturing, design, media, tech, and food. The growing tenancy combined with the addition of destination courtyards and experience-driven dining, retail and event programing has made Industry City a cultural and creative hub,” he adds. This multidisciplinary maker’s space, art studio and industrial hub opens its doors this week for WantedDesign’s IC Design Festival.
Running from May 17-22nd, the festival features a vast series of showcases. Here are a few of the highlights:
IC Open Studios, one of the most intriguing of the events, will allow visitors to tour and interact with nearly 100 painters, photographers, printmakers, sculptors, and video artists. Open Studios will offer a rare opportunity to talk with artists, see their works in progress, and discover how each tenant of Industry City has customized a studio space to fit the demands of his or her artistic practice.
Another engaging experience will be housed on the Factory Floor of the Brooklyn facility, and will allow guests to truly immerse themselves in an artisan’s process.
The event will also host students from design schools around the world in the Design Schools Workshop. Focused on collaboration rather than competition, the event will allow young minds from around the world, to compare design notes and learn each other’s crafts all against the backdrop of one of the most important art cities in the world.
Crowning off the entire event is a multi-story mural draped on the side of Building One (2nd Avenue between 36th and 37th street) created by artist Camille Walala, adding a true pop of art that can be seen from miles away.
