Local USA 829, IATSE Supports The ReThread Project's Initiative to Uplift Costume Design & Preserve Space for Makers in New York City's Garment District
Local Union endorses The ReThread Project, spearheaded by USA 829 Costume Designer Carisa Kelly, with support from director Martin Scorsese, actor Greta Lee, and the New York Fashion Workforce Development Coalition
New York, NY — The Local Union Executive Board of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE has resolved to endorse The ReThread Project, a nonprofit seeking to develop affordable space for makers in New York City’s Garment District, led by Local USA 829 Costume Designer Carisa Kelly.
After a successful push to protect the Garment District from rezoning within the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan, Local USA 829 is cognizant of the need to continue advocacy for the resources that are critical for the work of our Costume Department members.
“Preserving Garment District infrastructure for the future remains essential to the vitality of New York’s film, theater, fashion, and performing arts communities,” said USA 829 President Edward Pierce. “The ReThread Project’s current proposal to develop affordable space in the area for designers and artisans speaks powerfully to this mission.”
The initiative is exploring building acquisition and development within the Garment District for garment and costume companies. Operating at the nexus of the entertainment and fashion industries, it would host design studios, costume shops, pattern makers, embroiderers, digital printers, fabric stores, training and apprenticeship classrooms, event space and a museum for the general public.
“Mission-driven development and management is a proven strategy for saving and creating jobs, building affordable housing, and generating economic growth and community development,” said Carisa Kelly, Founder of The ReThread Project. “We have seen successful case studies of this strategy across New York City, and now is the time to bring its strengthening potential to the Garment District.”
For more information, contact Pooja Patel at ppatel@usa829.org.
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United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE is the national labor union and creative community of designers, artists, and coordinators working across the entertainment industry. For over 125 years, Local USA 829 has proudly represented and advocated for its members and professionals working in live performance, film, television, and commercials through collective bargaining, action, and solidarity. As the creative backbone of the entertainment industry, Local USA 829’s members tirelessly enhance the stories that captivate audiences. In addition to its mission to establish fair wages for designers, artists, and professionals, the union negotiates and advances health insurance and retirement benefits through employer contributions to pension, health care, 401(k), and annuity. Equally important, however, is Local USA 829’s dedication to bolstering an inclusive, anti-racist entertainment industry, one which provides sustained and significant opportunities for underrepresented artists and workers on and off stage and screen. From coast to coast, Local USA 829 seeks to foster the continuous improvement of the working and living standards for its members as well as elevate and celebrate the many crafts and categories of its membership, which includes Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound, and Projection Designers; Scenic Artists; Computer Artists; Art and Costume Department Coordinators; and Scenic Shop workers.