The Town of Babylon Local Development Corporation (LDC) has approved a $100,000 endowment to support the local art community as well as proposals to beautify Babylon. In partnership with Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, Inc. (BACCA), the first $20,000 of the endowment will focus on projects that renew the beauty of the Town’s downtowns as well as programs that are aimed at bringing the community together. The funding is part of the Town’s Babylon is Back initiative which serves to provide businesses with additional support as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have a strong arts community within the Town of Babylon that is eager to get started on many public beautification projects,” said Matthew McDonough, Director of the Babylon is Back Program. “Our partnership with BACCA will not only improve the overall aesthetics of our Town, but the projects that this money will fund will attract visitors to our area and help businesses rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown.”
With the LDC’s backing, BACCA will host several art projects across the Town of Babylon over the coming months in partnership with local artists, organizations, and small businesses. These projects include outdoor painting classes, a drive-in concert featuring local musicians, murals and other public art installations to be featured in a “Babylon Together Arts Trail.” One of the first mural efforts will take place at the HRHCare Health Center in Wyandanch and will be facilitated by Saint-Cyr Art Studio. The approximately 12 foot by 90 foot mural will be designed and completed by selected students from the 2020 graduating class of Wyandanch High School and the theme of the mural will focus on improving mental health.
“We are extremely appreciative of the LDC’s support of our mission to provide an avenue for residents to safely reconnect and boost morale within the community as we support local artists,” said BACCA Executive Director, Elizabeth Mirarchi. “The affects of the current health crisis have been felt by all, and small businesses as well as the arts and entertainment sector have encountered unprecedented challenges. This opportunity will allow us to create a lasting impact on our community through the arts.”
Each art installation planned under the initiative is part of BACCA’s larger vision to have an art trail throughout the Town of Babylon, giving residents and visitors a new attraction which will also help bring patrons to local businesses within the area. For more information about the initiative or if you would like to take part in the public art projects, please visit www.babylonarts.org or email info@babylonarts.org.
