Background

Events in the past few years such as shutdowns due to COVID-19, lack of governmental aid to small businesses, declining customer base, and anti-Asian hate contributed to challenges facing Manhattan Chinatown. As a result, many local businesses have closed, leaving behind empty storefronts. 

Vacant for over two years, ISS will activate and repurpose one of these empty storefronts at 127 Walker Street into the Storefront for Ideas (SFI) as a platform to amplify stories and pressing issues confronting Manhattan Chinatown. ISS will also use this opportunity to reimagine how social service organizations communicate these issues and utilize innovative and creative ways to learn about community needs.

Part of our work at ISS is telling the stories of our community through a social services lens—which means projects, exhibitions, and events hosted at SFI will focus on the wellbeing of communities, notably Manhattan Chinatown, Lower East Side, the larger AAPI and immigrant communities and the clients we serve. 

ISS believes that a critical understanding of these stories and issues enables an environment for us to thrive, flourish, and fulfill our potential.

Storefront for Ideas is made up of two features: 

• Exhibition & programming space led by a rotation of creatives, innovators, and community members through our project partners and Community Amplifier-in-Residence (CAiR) program.

• The SHOP, a community education and resource hub, led by ISS.

Storefront for Ideas is made possible in part by the support of Chung Pak Local Development Corporation and the NYC City Council AAPI Community Support Initiative.