New Multi-Service Center in Brooklyn Features Local Art Commission

NEW YORK — A new multi-service center in Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood was unveiled last month, featuring a public art commission by local artist and community educator Jazmine Hayes. The $128 million facility, a collaborative effort by three New York City agencies, includes Hayes' four-part commission titled I Am Protected (2026).

The artwork, created through the Department of Cultural Affairs' (DCLA) Percent for Art program, adorns each entryway of the building. The designs are intended to empower and reflect the cultural history of Brownsville's residents, with a particular focus on fostering youth ambition and curiosity.

Hayes, who was born and raised in the adjacent neighborhood of East New York, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. She had previously completed a public artwork for the New York City Housing Authority's (NYCHA) Brownsville Houses.

Hayes emphasized the importance of the commission, stating her desire for any child entering the building to feel protected and supported. She aims to create an environment filled with affirmations of care, support, and community.

The unveiling event included Hayes alongside DCLA commissioner Diya Vij and the Department's Percent for Art program director Sergio Pardo López.

**Context:** The new multi-service center in Brownsville is significant as it addresses the needs of a community that has historically faced challenges, including gentrification and displacement. The inclusion of Hayes' artwork underscores the importance of community engagement and cultural representation in public spaces, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among residents.