USING HIP HOP
AS A GUIDE TO
​CITY PLANNING

Since its creation, Hip-Hop has played a significant role in providing discourse about city planning. For over 50 years, Hip-Hop artist has constantly painted a picture of what it's like to live in their communities; from the architecture of the homes they live in, to the neglect of their streets, schools, and parks, we have always received insight or critique of the urban built environment. There is a long history of how things became what they are—starting with Le Corbusier's theory of the Towers in the Park and Robert Moses' execution of this idea. This course will take a deep dive into the history of urban planning and how it eventually influenced the creation of one of the most impactful cultures of all time. In addition to gaining a snapshot of the history of planning and hip-hop, guests will also review rap lyrics, encouraging them to examine what's being said and design effective solutions to address those issues, review case studies on music genre influence on social movements, and chat with guest speakers/artists on methods they've taken to implement change in their communities.
THIS CLASS IS AVAILABLE IN PERSON
​AT ABRONS ARTS CENTER:
466 Grand Street, NY, NY

WEDNESDAYS 6-8 PM EST
April 2nd - 23rd, 2025
4 sessions +
culminating share out on Wednesday, April 30th
$250 Tuition
BIPOC/trans/disabled sliding scale available
50% low income discount available
+ $25 non-refundable registration fee

INSTRUCTOR

​Ivi Lewis is an activist, educator, and creative born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Since her youth, she’s always dedicated her free time to contributing to her community. That habit carried over in her years of living in New York City. Today, you can find her packing bags in your local food pantry, conducting a read-aloud with kindergarteners, or advocating for residents as a Board Member in Brooklyn Community Board 16. As a recent Hunter College MUP graduate, she has gained extensive experience in urban planning, community development, facilitation, and research. She looks forward to using her passion for community development and expertise in planning to be an asset to communities across the five boroughs.
Image credit:  Style Wars (Film), 1983, Henry Chalfant
This program is supported through a Cultural Development Fund grant from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs.
Our classes are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.