Van Alen Institute
Van Alen Institute, a longtime advocate for design-driven public engagement, hosts The Dear Neighbor Project as part of its annual Points of Promise initiative. Now in its second year, Points of Promise invites artists and designers to explore civic issues through creative collaboration with Gowanus residents. The mural on view at Van Alen’s storefront gallery marks the beginning of the project’s journey across Brooklyn, featuring stories collected in response to ongoing flooding and climate change in the neighborhood.
Selected through a competitive process by a panel of local stakeholders—including members of the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, Gowanus Houses Tenants Association, and the Gowanus Oversight Task Force—The Dear Neighbor Project is artist Tiffany Baker’s response to Van Alen’s open call. The project is grounded in the community voices that shape it, illuminating everyday experiences with flooding through sound and public art.
Special thanks to the Van Alen Institute team for their partnership in bringing The Dear Neighbor Project to life.
Dear Neighbor,
how has flooding in Gowanus affected you?
Emily Mills
I woke up and there was probably like at least a foot-and-a-half of water over the road.
Dear Neighbor,
how has flooding changed the way you think about the future?
DeAndre Bennett
I developed this mindset where, when I saw rain coming, I started being like: How much water is coming, should I be home, do I need to pick everything valuable up off the floor?
Dear Neighbor,
how has the community shown up for you during flood events?
DeAndre Bennett
People did come to help out. Anytime I've brought it up, all I've gotten is people relating to the experience. Everyone's dealt with it in some degree.
Dear Neighbor,
what does 'community' mean to you?
Tania Balan-Gaubert
It’s the space where family is built, whether that's blood or chosen.
Je'Jae cleo mizrahi
I choose people who share my values, and I'm fortunate that they come from every background because it allows me to evolve.
Dear Neighbor,
what advice would you give to newcomers moving in?
0h10 M1Ke
They should get involved in something in the community. Like one of the community gardens.
Paula Smith
We're part of a big community and you're moving into our neighborhood. You have to be part of the community too.
Je'Jae cleo mizrahi
I feel that there could be a conversation, a relationship of how can the wealthy and privileged in the area extend their resources to support marginalized communities nearby.
Hear all the interviews that inspired this mural
Je'Jae cleo mizrahi, New York-based Artist
Conducted 2024-12-03 by:
- Crystal-Angelee Burrell
DeAdndre Bennett, Brooklyn resident
Conducted 2025-01-29 by:
- Crystal-Angelee Burrell
0H10 M1ke, Brooklyn-based Artist
Conducted 2024-10-19 by:
- Crystal-Angelee Burrell
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