Open Call for Artists & Vendors to Participate in La Marqueta!

The message below comes from NYC Council Speaker and District 8 representative Melissa Mark-Viverito’s Office:

Dear Neighbor,

I am very excited to announce the launch of an open call for artists and vendors to participate in La Marqueta.

Located under the elevated Metro North railway tracks at 115th Street and Park Avenue in East Harlem, La Marqueta has been a cultural and commercial center for the residents of El Barrio for nearly 100 years.

In its heyday in the 1950’s and 1960’s, over 500 vendors operated out of the marketplace, which served as an important social and economic venue for people from all corners of the City.

Today, a major revitalization of La Marqueta is fast underway that includes:

• Creation of El Barrio Youth Marqueta, which will provide nutritious, sustainable food options and workforce development opportunities for youth in East Harlem.
• Reopening of the outdoor plaza known as “La Placita,” which will be furnished with chairs, tables, and public Wi-Fi to encourage residents and visitors alike to use the newly-opened space and surrounding markets.
• Opportunities for cultural events and programming that will highlight the rich diversity of art, history, music, and food in El Barrio.
• Opportunities and support for small businesses, artisans, and vendors to bring thriving commerce to the La Marqueta corridor.

This Friday (Aug. 22nd) from 6 pm to 8 pm, we will be hosting a mini open house at La Marqueta, where prospective vendors and artists can check out the space, meet the team, and get a glimpse of some of the exciting programming that is taking place at the market this summer and fall.  There will be wine and beer, as well as live music from the jazz fusion group TROMPO.  Immediately afterward, the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival will be hosting a special screening of “White Alligator” in La Placita.  Shot in reality TV format, this feature-length comedy about stereotyping in the entertainment industry follows a young Puerto Rican as she pursues an acting career in New York City.

Those interested in applying for space at the market can fill out the attached application, which can be submitted electronically by clicking on the “Submit Form” button in the top right-hand corner of the form, or by saving the completed application and emailing it directly to info@LaMarquetaRetona.com.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.  Additional information about the history and revitalization of this cultural landmark can be found on the La Marqueta Retoña website at lamarquetaretona.com.

And please feel free to share this information with anyone who you think might be interested in applying for space at the market.

Together, we can help ensure that La Marqueta becomes the prime location again for local vendors and entrepreneurs – a place where people from all walks of life can buy unique products and food, while moving their feet to a rumba.

Gracias!

Sincerely,
Melissa Mark-Viverito
Speaker