The new sign was unveiled at the northwest corner of East 23rd Street and Third Avenue.
For more than 75 years, SVA has made a significant cultural impact on New York City and its greater art community, but its latest mark arguably cements the institution’s legacy into the city’s broader civic fabric. Late last week, in partnership with NYC Department of Transportation and New York City Council, SVA was honored with an official street co-naming of East 23rd Street between Second and Third Avenues. Unveiled at the northwest corner of the block was a new sign reading “SVA Way”—not just a street name but a symbol of the College’s enduring legacy in New York. Attendees at the street-naming ceremony included SVA President David Rhodes and family member Eric Rhodes, City Councilmember for District 2 Carlina Rivera, as well as NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, NYCDOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Edward Pincar, Jr., New York State Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, and other local representatives and guests.
The process for initiating the street co-naming began in 2022 amid the College’s celebration of its milestone 75th anniversary and included gathering support and approval from surrounding businesses, the local community board and NYCDOT. In addition to proclamations from the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Manhattan Borough President and City Council District 2, a special 75th anniversary issue of SVA’s Visual Arts Journal was published along with a commemorative NYC subway poster by famed designer, SVA alumnus and former faculty member Paul Davis (1959 Illustration).
The newly named “SVA Way” is home to the College’s headquarters at 209 East 23rd Street, which has been its permanent address since 1960. This honor is the culmination of a multifaceted tribute to the College’s impact on Manhattan and the arts community at large since its founding in 1947.
“For almost 75 years, SVA has enjoyed a strong presence on East 23rd Street, where generations of aspiring artists have passed through the doors of our flagship building,” said SVA President David Rhodes. “Essential to that history are the many businesses and community members we are lucky to call our neighbors, and we are grateful for their support, as well as the elected officials who have helped make this honor possible. We are thrilled for SVA to continue to make its mark on ‘SVA Way’ and beyond.”
From left to right: Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine; District 2 City Councilmember Carlina Rivera; SVA President David Rhodes and family member Eric Rhodes; NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo; NYCDOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Edward Pincar, Jr.
From left to right: Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine; District 2 City Councilmember Carlina Rivera; SVA President David Rhodes and family member Eric Rhodes; NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo; NYCDOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Edward Pincar, Jr.
“School of Visual Arts is an anchor for creativity and talent on the East Side, and we will see the co-naming of East 23rd between Second and Third avenues memorialize their contribution to our community,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “Renaming a street in New York City is a long process that requires multiple approvals from the local Community Board, City Council, and the Department of Transportation. With its international reach, notable alumni and contributions to New York City’s vibrant arts community, SVA has earned this recognition for 75 years of work.”
“Artists have made New York City the dynamic, creative metropolis it is, and it’s thanks to institutions like SVA that our city has nurtured generations of creative movements and communities,” said NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “I can’t wait to strut down ‘SVA Way’ in celebration of this incredible institution’s 75th birthday. We look forward to the next 75 as we strive to keep New York a place where artists from all backgrounds and disciplines can live, work and create.”
“SVA has long been a vital part of New York City’s cultural landscape, so it’s a pleasure to inaugurate SVA as part of NYC’s literal, geographic landscape,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “SVA has nurtured generations of creative professionals, and I look forward to watching SVA and its graduates thrive for generations to come.”
“Congratulations to the School of Visual Arts on this momentous occasion,” said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein. “SVA has been a home for creatives and visionaries for decades. I am proud to have this institution in my district, and I am glad it is now permanently commemorated through this street co-naming.”
