The Downtown Dinner 2010
The city came out in full force for Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Downtown Dinner 2010. More than 600 corporate, civic, and cultural leaders gathered to show their support of LMCC.
Alice Farley Dancers & Marc André Robinson's sculpture Right of Return / photo: PatrickMcMullan.com
Honoree Steve Buscemi, actor Stanley Tucci, & LMCC Board Chair Cherrie Nanninga / photo: PatrickMcMullan.com
Board members Antonio Perez, Frank Sciame, Cherrie Nanninga, Steven Davis, & Timur Galen / photo: Paul Porter
Members of The National Theater of the United States of America, recipient of 2010 Award for Artistic Achievement / photo: Paul Porter
Sound artist Anne Hege performs during the cocktail reception / photo: Paul Porter
Actors Aidan Quinn and Stanley Tucci; Michael Imperioli on stage / photo: Paul Porter
NYFD fireboat tribute to former firefighter Steve Buscemi / photo: PatrickMcMullan.com
Stanley Tucci, Jo Andres, Steve Buscemi, and guests watch the fireboat tribute / photo: PatrickMcMullan.com
Victoria Imperioli, Michael Imperioli, & Stanley Tucci / photo: PatrickMcMullan.com
Kate Gilmore, recipient of the 2010 Award for Artistic Achievement / photo: Paul Porter
Elvis Costello appeared via video to congratulate Steve Buscemi on his award / photo: PatrickMcMullan.com
Steve Buscemi accepts the Liberty Award / photo: PatrickMcMullan.com
Martin Scorsese and Steve Buscemi / photo: Paul Porter
DJ Rupture spins at the Artist After Party / photo: Paul Porter
We were thrilled to honor Steve Buscemi, actor, director, and devoted New Yorker, for all he does to enliven the city and support its community of artists, and Brookfield, owner, developer, and manager of commercial real estate, for its long-time commitment to the arts in Lower Manhattan, particularly at the World Financial Center. Past and present directors of arts>World Financial Center accepted the Liberty Award on behalf of Brookfield: Melissa Coley, Brookfield’s Vice President of Investor Relations & Communications, who previously directed the program; Anita Contini, the founding Artistic Director; and Debra Simon, Vice President of Arts & Events and present Artistic Director.
Joining in the celebration were actors Michael Imperioli, Aidan Quinn, and Stanley Tucci; Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese; WNYC radio host John Schaeffer; Gary Carrion-Murayari, Associate Curator of the 2010 Whitney Biennial; and a host of influential decision makers and trendsetters from throughout the City.
The participation of numerous other members of the New York community helped make the event truly memorable. We would like to thank the New York City Fire Department and Lt. Dennis Gordon for a wonderful fireboat display in honor of former firefighter Steve Buscemi; Elvis Costello for sending in a surprise video congratulating Steve on his award; The New York Opera Society, especially baritone Shannon DeVine and accompanist Timothy Shaindlin, for a moving rendition of “The Toreador Song”; 2009-10 Workspace artist in residence Marc Robinson for lending his monumental sculpture “Right of Return” made of discarded chairs and artist Rachel Hayes for constructing a tent-like fabric installation to animate the space; 2009 LentSpace artist Olivier Babin for creating one-of-a-kind tablecloths; and Anne Hege, Alice Farley Dance Theater, and DJ Rupture for their distinctive performances throughout the evening.
LMCC succeeded in raising $725,000 for our renowned arts programs thanks to the generosity of our many supporters.
Thank you for helping us make “Art Happen Here.”
Steve Buscemi
Downtown Dinner Honoree / 2010 Liberty Award Recipient
Born in Brooklyn, Steve Buscemi began his career in the East Village in the ‘80s, writing and performing his own theatre pieces with Mark Boone Junior and performing in the works of playwright/director John Jesurun, The Wooster Group, Richard Foreman and Fiona Templeton. He has portrayed some of the most unforgettable characters in film and television, including roles in Mystery Train, Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, Armageddon, Ghost World, and The Sopranos. Currently, he stars in the new HBO drama Boardwalk Empire, for which Martin Scorsese directed the pilot.
Buscemi is also a writer and director, with directing credits including Trees Lounge, Animal Factory, Lonesome Jim, and Interview. He is an Emmy- and DGA-nominated director for his work on The Sopranos and has recently helmed episodes of 30 Rock and Nurse Jackie.
In 2007, Buscemi partnered with Stanley Tucci and Wren Arthur to form OLIVE Productions, a New York-based film and television production company. He also serves on the Board of Directors of ISSUE Project Room, a pioneering Brooklyn-based experimental music and performance center.
Buscemi was an NYC firefighter from 1980 to 1984 at Engine 55 and, following 9/11, worked tirelessly on behalf of the FDNY and the many families affected by the attacks.
He is married to artist/filmmaker Jo Andres. They live in Brooklyn and have a son, Lucian.
Brookfield
Downtown Dinner Honoree / 2010 Liberty Award Recipient
Beyond its role as an owner, developer, and manager of commercial real estate, Brookfield contributes to the communities it operates in by enlivening the public spaces at its properties with top-quality concerts, exhibitions, fairs, and festivals, which are held year-round and free-of-charge. Emerging and established artists alike are given the opportunity to work in new and unusual spaces to provide unique cultural experiences for the public.
Its flagship program, arts>World Financial Center, founded in 1988, is the largest year-round, free performing arts and cultural presenter on the East Coast. Since its inception, over 4,000,000 people have attended more than 2,500 performances and events at the World Financial Center’s public spaces. Moreover, Brookfield’s arts program has recently expanded to seven additional properties.
