FAB is one of the best art related organizations I have ever had the pleasure of working with. As a musician I have had several occasions to perform at their events over the past several years and will continue to do so whenever they ask. I am not one who normally volunteers my time but for the Fourth Arts Block I will always find the time, that is how amazing they are
Fourth Arts Block is an inspiring example of how concerted community effort can help to support a thriving local cultural economy and a vibrant neighborhood. FAB’s promotional work on East 4th Street attracts curious audiences of thousands and it’s work to provide affordable space to artists also incubates cutting-edge performances and productions by local artists. In this way, FAB not only supports the development of the area as a unique cultural district, but also ensures the long-term development of a sustainable and vibrant neighborhood for those who live and work in the East Village.
FAB’s work demonstrates how small arts spaces and organizations can inspire cultural vitality and sustainable neighborhood development from the ground-up.
FAB is in the truest sense of the word just FABulous! The staff is so friendly and they really care about "their" theaters and artists, I don't even know how much overtime the FAB ladies spent in the office since I first met them. The whole block feels like home for me and I think it's no exaggeration to say that East 4th Street is like a big, loud, caring family! Keep rockin' FAB! :)
FAB is such a wonderful organization that brings so many artists together and supports their work. I have been lucky enough to work with FAB on and off for a few years and their events are always tons of fun and affordable! As an artist, I have made so many valuable connections though FAB. The staff, Tamara, Lauren, and Laurel, is so passionate and knowledgeable about the work. The best part is that FAB is so generous with their time and expertise that you know they are doing everything they can to foster artistic development. I am grateful that I can say I am affiliated with FAB.
I was introduced to FAB through the executive directer Tamara Greenfield and since have not only participated in helping them with events but also have benefited from all there wonderful shows and events. I think is it extremely important to support organizations such as FAB and keep them up and running, so that the community can be exposed to a variety of AFFORDABLE cultural events. I mean how many places can you go to daily and find more then 10 options of cultural activities that predominantly cost under $15 and know you are helping to support independent artists.
Fourth Arts Block is the small, but mighty organization that is constantly working on ideas to help the arts in Downtown NYC. FAB is a group of hard-working, intelligent and giving people who are truly interested in promoting creative work and giving artists a podium to speak freely. While interning there, I was able to learn a lot about the countless tasks the administrative aspect of the arts requires of someone and I feel that I went from knowing almost nothing to being able to work well within the non-profit and arts administration work setting. The information I have gained from FAB has increased my interest in giving others opportunities as well as information to inform my own creative possibilities.
I have had the opportunity to volunteer with FAB on 2 separate occasions. Last summer I was at one of their street festivals. They provide a family friendly day of fun while showcasing local artists. In December, I helped out at FAB's Holiday Happening, another opportunity for local artists and to familiarize the community with their work. I also recently attended an art installation/performance that FAB sponsored with some of their affiliates.
I am an award winning performing artist and my band Giftshop has participated in Fourth Art Block events that are unique and community related. Being a native of New York City, and lifelong Lower Manhattan resident in particular, I can confirm that FAB is an essential part of the community. Besides providing my group with our first outdoor festival performance (an opportunity that would have never have happened without Fourth Arts Block). I've seen this wonderful institution provide family friendly days devoted to kids, panel discussions on woman artists, a celebration of gay awareness, and even an impromptu street dancing class. In the rampant "Suburb-i-fication" of the five boroughs let me be loud and clear...FAB is an OASIS OF THE ARTS! They are an outstanding non-profit representing diversity, creativity, integrity, and sensitivity. Fourth Arts Block is not only a reminder of the high esteem the arts used to be held in this city-which is a global mecca-but FAB represents they way it has to be for the sake of our future. Most Sincerely, Damian Eckstein
I've helped out on a few occasions manning the check-in booth for both artists (at the festival) and audience (at their parties). They're always sure to keep the volunteers happy and I'm glad to help out!
FAB is embedded in a beautiful but not widely known neighborhood of east 4th street. While walking there one day I was entranced by FAB's cool graphics and friendly staff members. After seeing how dedicated each one of them was to helping struggling theaters get an audience, I offered my services to them. Inspired by their efforts I created an original oil painting for a promotion of an exciting show happening in one of the theaters. I am excited to work with FAB again and I envision great things for these fine ladies in the future, which will be good news for the theaters they help everyday. Go FAB!
As a longtime native of the East Village, I've seen firsthand the brilliance and effectiveness of FAB with its community. The organization has a complex, multifaceted constituency, and FAB does a remarkable job balancing the considerations of the whole, and really gets a LOT done. Well done!