3 'Open Culture' Streets Coming To The UWS: What To Know

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — After the success of the city's Open Streets program this summer, the mayor's office recently introduced a new street permit designation that allows for artistic and cultural programming.

The new program is called "Open Culture" streets, and three blocks have already been approved on the Upper West Side.

Performances that can take place on Open Culture streets include theater, music, comedy, and dance acts. The events can be free or ticketed.

Here are three Open Culture streets coming to the Upper West Side:

• West 75th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam
• West 75th Street between Broadway and West End
• West 105th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus

Applications for Open Culture streets opened on March 1 and will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program will run through Oct. 31, 2021, but it's not clear when the first Open Culture streets on the Upper West Side will kick-off.

How Does It Work?

Open Culture streets will function similarly to the Open Streets for pedestrians and restaurants seen this summer.

The blocks will be closed off to vehicle traffic during the day, allowing for different types of artistic performances to take place safely in the middle of the street.

However, performances can't block off sidewalks, and at least five feet of walkway must be provided for pedestrians at all times. Event elements are not allowed to be placed on the sidewalk at all.

Permits for the performances are limited to 12 hours and for events on consecutive days, all elements of the performance must be removed overnight and the street must be reopened.

Additionally, security and safe closure of the street is the responsibility of the organization that secures the permit, and the group must also obtain No Parking signs from local NYPD precincts before the event takes place.

Afterward, the organization hosting the event is also responsible for the cleanup.

All events and performances must also comply with current COVID-19 safety protocols.

You can find out more about Open Culture streets and what type of organizations can register for the permit — here.