We at More Art believe that affordable housing is a human right, and that everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. We have also seen that rising economic inequality in the city has made this very basic right a challenge for many. More Art’s first projects were hosted by Hudson Guild, the nonprofit community art and culture center located in the NYCHA Houses, as a response to the changes taking place in the neighborhood.

Over the past 20 years, More Art has collaborated with artists confronting the intertwined issues of housing justice, homelessness, and economic inequality. We have staged ambitious public art projects in collaboration with artists like Andres Serrano (Residents of New York, 2014), Bill Powhida and Jennifer Dalton (Month2Month, 2016), Ofri Cnani (Moon Guardians, 2013), and Justin Blinder (Vacated, 2013), on broad themes relating to housing.

This year, we have been proud to partner with Save Section 9 to amplify this unique nation-wide advocacy group’s efforts to spotlight the critical threats and challenges facing public housing. Through a series of collaborative projects with artists The Yes Men, The Good Liars, and Noah Fischer, we have brought together advocacy, art, and education to address housing issues in support of vulnerable communities.

As part of this collaborative series of projects, we commissioned The Yes Men, with comedic duo The Good Liars, joined forces with us earlier this year to stage a high-profile stunt at our gala to produce thought-provoking man-on-the-street interactions and videos that challenge the status quo and bring attention to the massive privatization of section nine public housing currently proposed by NYCHA and Related Companies. Additionally, the founder of SS9, Ramona Ferreyra contributed her background story to Noah Fischer’s New York 2044: Housing Edition, which highlights the human stories behind housing statistics and policies.

Community Engagement

Engaging with community is at the heart of our mission. We started the year with a virtual workshop and teach-in organized with Save Section 9, providing valuable information about Section 9 housing. This event was an opportunity for community members to learn about their rights, available resources, and ways to advocate for better housing conditions. The interactive format allowed for meaningful discussions and connections among participants.

In July, we hosted a special screening of the film “Razing Liberty Square” with seniors and NYCHA residents at Hudson Guild. This powerful documentary explores the impact of gentrification and displacement on a historically Black neighborhood in Miami, underwritten by Related Companies. The screening was followed by a discussion, giving attendees a platform to share their thoughts and experiences related to housing issues.

As we continue our focus on housing for the remainder of the year, we will announce additional projects and events planned with Save Section 9. Together, we hope these art projects and interventions will raise awareness, foster community solidarity, and advocate for policies that ensure affordable and equitable housing for all.

We are grateful for the support of our partners, artists, and community members who have joined us in this important work. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved.