The horrific Ebola outbreak in West Africa appears to be waning, but the reality is that the region is still struggling to recover and get on its feet. With a weak government and a dramatically increasing population, the region is now facing a slew of new public health threats, including malaria, dengue fever, cholera, and ebola fatigue. The resulting public health emergencies and outbreaks have already sent many west African leaders scurrying for the safety of their own country and the United States is moving to send more health workers and medical technology.
The much-needed help for west Africa will inevitably require the free and open exchange of information. Which is why we are proud to announce that Massey Hall, the international icon of modernism is back in the East Village next year.
Although Massey Hall was closed for nearly nine years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, it was destroyed by fire in 2010. A few months ago, the Historic District Landmark Preservation Commission and the Massey Hall Foundation commissioned interior architecture firm STUDIOCLASM to reimagine the space. The result is Massey Hall is Back, a reimagined space that will feature The Mirror of Change, an interactive sculpture that seeks to bridge the East Village with West Africa, both politically and culturally.
We all grew up mesmerized by the iconic landscape of modern architecture. So it was simply poetic that our company was picked to bring Massey Hall back to life. What’s more, we hope to ensure that this piece of New York City architecture, culture and urbanism — that captured so many of our youth — is preserved and, in its wake, will help heal the divides that have emerged between marginalized communities and authorities.