THE HUB — Officials hope to turn a drab construction site in the South Bronx into an art gallery filled with photographs that embody life in the community.
The economic development group SoBRO has joined with the Department of Design and Construction and the Department of Transportation to launch a photography competition for the construction site of Roberto Clemente Plaza in The Hub.
"Oftentimes places in Manhattan or Brooklyn have the opportunity to have these really cool temporary art installations put up around construction sites," said Michael Brady, director of special projects at SoBRO, "and often The Bronx does not."
The competition is free and open to photographers of all levels who are 18 or older, and they have until 11:59 p.m. on May 31 to submit their pictures that they feel best capture the essence of the South Bronx online at www.nycddc.slideroom.com.
The selected photos will be displayed as part of a gallery along Third Avenue and 148th and 149th streets at the Roberto Clemente Plaza construction site from July until November, when the plaza is expected to open. Winners will also receive $325.
People who want to enter the competition can submit up to five photos, and they will be notified if they have won in early June.
A total of 16 artists will be selected, according to Brady.
The exhibit will give photographers a chance to boost Bronx pride and improve the pedestrian experience by the plaza's construction site, according to the DDC.
The photos must be taken in the South Bronx and capture the spirit of the area, which Brady said he has already seen interpreted in several different ways.
"Some folks have boxers working out in the gym. Other folks have pictures of a bodega cat," he said, "and I think there are various representations of what makes a neighborhood, and I think this is really good outlet for community members and artists to use."
