THE POINT opened its doors in 1994, a time when Hunts Point was facing declining investment and tarnished morale. Responding to a community in crisis, the organization began working with local residents to strengthen this South Bronx neighborhood.
History
History
THE POINT opened its doors in 1994, a time when Hunts Point was facing declining investment and tarnished morale. Responding to a community in crisis, the organization began working with local residents to strengthen this South Bronx neighborhood. Since its inception, the organization has bolstered community members’ endeavors through arts, environmental and business oriented services and contributed to the area’s resurgence in arts and culture.
Amongst scholars, academics and think tanks, THE POINT has garnered a reputation as a successful organization transforming an area with community involvement. Amongst Hunts Point residents, it has become a celebrated destination, known especially as a wonderful place for children to learn and grow.
Key Dates in THE POINT’s History:
1993: Founding Team – Maria Torres, Paul Lipson, Mildred Ruiz & Stephen Sapp – launch building renovations at 940 Garrison Avenue.
1994: THE POINT establishes its non profit status
1996: The International Center of Photography joins THE POINT to launch the photography program ICP at THE POINT.
1998: THE POINT receives a Union Square Award for its Youth Development Program.
1999: Live From the Edge Theatre receives a New York Dance and Performance (Bessie) Award and an OBIE Grant Award.
2002: Cirque du Soleil’s social outreach program Cirque du Monde establishes a partnership with THE POINT.
2004: THE POINT becomes a site for volunteer service organization City Year NY.
2005: ICP at THE POINT receives The President’s Committee on Arts and the Humanities’ Coming Up Taller Award.
2006: THE POINT officially opens the Hunts Point Riverside Campus for Arts and the Environment.
2007: THE POINT receives the NYC Mayor’s Award for Arts and Culture.
2007: THE POINT becomes a founding member of the Hunts Point Alliance for Children.
2008: THE POINT receives the Place Matters Award presented by City Lore and the Municipal Arts Society.
2009: THE POINT celebrates 15 years of service to the Hunts Point community!
2011: The Women’s Caucus for Art presents a President’s Art & Activism Award to THE POINT’s President and Chief Operating Officer Maria Torres.
2012: THE POINT wins an EPA Environmental Quality Award for its more than ten years of dedication to South Bronx and NYC environmental justice!
