Noteworthy: Greenpoint, The Transition

I have seen these posters hereabouts as well as the East Village. Given I answered “Yes” to most of these questions, naturally I feel compelled to pass it along. Per the web site listed on the above-depicted poster:

Why Greenpoint?

Greenpoint is the northernmost part of the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Before colonization it was covered with forests, orchards, and meadows. In the nineteenth century its character changed from agricultural to industrial. In the twentieth century Greenpoint became very popular among Polish immigrants. It even got the nickname “Little Poland”. In 2010 43,6% of Greenpoint inhabitants were Polish.

But this neighborhood has changed drastically over last several years. It is still transitioning and people are anxious about the direction of the changes and Greenpoint’s future as a Polish neighborhood.

What can be done to preserve its Polish character and at the same time keep it open and friendly to new residents, whatever their ancestry is?

As an organization that realizes urban, educational, and cultural activities we think that these types of activities are the key to keeping the neighborhood attractive to both Poles that seeks a connection to their homeland as well as all New Yorkers interested in a valuable cultural experiences.

Greenpoint. The Transition is an effort to redefine Greenpoint’s “Polishness” in the context of changes that are happening right now in this part of New York City. Instead of thinking about ethnicity we emphasize the cultural and artistic values that it carries. We are convinced that this understanding of “Polishness” can become Greenpoint’s trademark, regardless of any political or economic factors.

Greenpoint. The Transition is realized in cooperation with the Brooklyn Public Library in Greenpoint, Opportunity Music Project, Videology, and Focusing Lab.

The project is co-financed from the funds granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the competition for the public task “Cooperation with Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad.”

Those of you who found yourselves saying the same can get more information about this series of events by clicking here. NOTE: Some will be workshops will be conducted in Polish only so it is best to check their detailed program for more information for more information. Seats for all these events (which are totally free) are limited— so get your RSVP on. The deadline is April 30th!

UPDATE, 7:45 pm: I sent an email to the lady listed on this poster, Marta Pawlaczek :

Hi,

I spied one of your posters while knocking around the East Village today (which is kind of funny given I live in Greenpoint— have for 14 years). I gave a very brief shout-out on my site this evening. I made sure to note that some workshops were going to be conducted exclusively in Polish. Would you be kind enough to outline some that are in English so I can pass them along?

On a purely selfish note, my husband and I would love to check a few of these out (he’s interested in the board games— ESPECIALLY the Battle of Grunwald). Speaking for myself, I am of more of an artistic bent— and would LOVE to know of any historical/art workshops I can attend (in English).

And she (despite being in Poland presently) got right back to me!

Hello Heather!

Thank you so much for your interest in the program and sharing the info on your website – it looks great!

If you would like to send out some emails etc, I attached the press release and the detailed program in English and participation form, also pasted the short info in the body of an email, some people just do not like open the attachments.

I would recommend photographic workshops if thats something that does or might interest you, the leader is definately great person and photographer – the plan is to make photos of Greenpoint at the end and create a exhibition, that would be available during block party and at the library.

I can definitely reserve a spot for your husband at the Board Games workshops – and I would recommend it for you as well, if the history of Poland interests you – the board games that would be used are created by The Institute of National Remembrance – so there were a lots of historians working on it, making sure its accurate and fun, and the lady that will lead those has a great knowledge of history, so I know it will be very interesting.

Would you send me the application forms with all the data? You can download them here: http://www.cultureshock.pl/greenpoint-transition-program-en/

I am at this moment in Poland, but I am back in NYC on the 22nd of April, if you would have more questions, feel free to call me or write.

The phone number on posters is OK for now to call too, if people want to sign up – a colleague is picking up them for now – just letting you know that its totally OK to call that number to sign up.

Best regards!

Marta

You can view all the material she forwarded me in jpeg format by clicking here!