NEWS: Bridge Discontinues Assembly Zones Program
Image: Assembly Zones 1.0 architect & designer David Sundry performs maintenance on a prototype information resource ticket dispensary installed at Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza, August 2022.
NEWS: Bridge Discontinues Assembly Zones Program
Due to Lack of Funding, the Attempt to Build a Potentially Life-Saving System of Low-Tech Access to Information Resources Grinds to a Halt
Despite hundreds of staff hours applying for dozens of funding support opportunities since 2018, no new support has been awarded the Assembly Zones program, either from local, state, federal or private sources. Without continued funding to prototype and develop the necessary technology for this effort, the program can no longer move forward.
“It’s a sincere shame, given the amounts of available funding for COVID recovery, that none of the dozens of funders we sought support from, as we largely funded this project out of pocket over five years, thought offering public access stations to crisis resources for people in areas without wifi or computer access was needed.” says Bridge Executive Director Michael Workman. “It’s sad that among those institutions and agencies who should have been our partners, the willingness to connect art with public service was too much of a risk. Unfortunately, default economic development formulas remain a priority for much public funding while health and wellness solutions — even though clearly and urgently needed — are not.”
We continue to believe deeply in the urgency and necessity of the Assembly Zones program, but as of Fall 2022, until sufficient new capital support is acquired, development efforts on the initiative will be discontinued. Those wishing to reach out with new capital opportunities can email us here.
