OpenHouseGI Permit Process for Governors Island’s 2015 Public Season Now Open
Dec 4, 2014 2:37 pm
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In 2014, this workshop that was a part of OpenHouseGI was enjoyed by many Island visitors.[/caption] The OpenHouseGI permit process for Governors Island’s 2015 public access season is now open. OpenHouseGI offers 150,000 square feet of indoor space in former officers’ houses and over 20 acres of outdoor space free of charge to any organization that creates programming that is free and open to the public during the Island’s public season. All organizations are welcome to apply to OpenHouseGI through the Trust’s website. In 2015, Governors Island will be open every day from May 23 through September 27. OpenHouseGI offers more than two dozen former officers’ homes in Nolan Park and Colonels Row for groups to use. Due to unprecedented demand for indoor spaces, the 2015 season will be divided into two sessions. Session I runs from May 23-July 20 and Session II runs from July 21-September 27. Groups wishing to use indoor spaces apply for only one of the two sessions. Groups using indoor spaces for the first half of the season may have the opportunity to extend their use of the space if it is available for the second session. OpenHouseGI also offers nearly 25 acres of outdoor space for programs. These include the Colonels Row Festival Grounds, the Parade Ground and Nolan Park. In 2015, South Battery, a two acre green space located a short distance from Yankee Pier, will open for the first time. With its historic sandstone wall and Mark Handforth’s “Saffron Star” it could be used for a wide range of programs, including dance and theatrical performances. The Play Lawn Oval, a two acre lawn in the new park adjacent to the ballfields, will also be available. This versatile space could be used for outdoor art, performances or other activities. In 2014, more than 60 organizations produced site specific dance performances, educational workshops, theatrical productions, recreational and sports programs, art exhibits, and much more for Island visitors. The Island typically welcomes 8,000 visitors each weekend day and in 2014, welcomed 476,000 visitors. More than 75% of visitors to the Island are from New York City. All of the information needed to apply can be found at govisland.com. We look forward to the 2015 season being the best one yet for Governors Island.