Grand Street Community Arts was formed by concerned neighbors in the Mansion Neighborhood in 2003 as a way to bridge the cultural and economic divides in the neighborhood. The organization (originally named Mansion Community Arts) received its designation as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization from the IRS and negotiated the purchase of the former St. Anthony’s Church, a long-vacant cornerston
e of the community and a link with its immigrant past. Anthony’s Church not only filled the spiritual needs of parishioners, but also helped immigrants adjust to new lives in America by offering English classes and hosting performances, weddings and operas. Anthony’s has always been a center for the arts! In 1972, following the construction of the Empire State Plaza and the demolition of many homes in the South End, St. Anthony’s had lost its congregation and closed its doors. In 2003, Grand Street Community Arts purchased St. Anthony’s from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, reopening its doors as a community center. From 2004-11, we presented art, music and classes, with a focus on children, youth and families. At that time, GSCA also spearheaded vacant lot renewal projects throughout the South End, and played host for community meetings. Since 2012, we have reduced our programming to focus on building renovation. Our core program, YouthFX, takes place off-site, conducting an 8-week summer film academy at the Albany Free School, and year round programs at the Albany Public Library and Albany High School. We have an FCC Construction Permit to build a LPFM station: our community radio station--WCAA--will be the first program to move back into St. Looking ahead, our programming priority is to provide music and theater as free public celebrations, serving our neighborhood, and the youth of Albany. We aim to be a hub for community and culture, partnering with other organizations who can use our space to present classes (music, art, dance) and art exhibitions.
