Brooklyn Artist Displaced by Fire Receives Support from Arts Community
**Art Community Rallies Support for Ayana Evans After Devastating Brooklyn Fire**
Members of New York City’s art community have mobilized to help performance artist and professor Ayana Evans after a fire struck the top floor of her six-story Brooklyn apartment building on September 8. The fire destroyed almost all of Evans’ possessions, leaving her and her partner, along with other residents, displaced with only a few belongings.
Evans, a notable figure known for her bright neon green zebra-striped catsuit, experienced the fire as she was working from home. The blaze began around 1 p.m., following repair efforts on the roof to address a leak causing mold. Evans and her partner noticed smoke coming from the roof, which led to their call to the fire department. Despite the lack of clear emergency signals from smoke alarms, firefighters managed to control the fire by 2 p.m.
The cause of the fire has yet to be officially determined. However, a building contractor was arrested for the illegal use of a blowtorch, identified as the potential cause of the fire which spread through the building’s cockloft space, a notorious fire hazard.
A fundraiser to assist Evans and her family with recovery and relocation expenses has raised over $23,500 from 316 donors. Known for inclusive community-building through her work, Evans has been deeply affected by the financial and emotional support from her community.
Evans teaches at several prominent universities and is acclaimed for creating performances that address race, class, sex, gender, and sexuality. Importantly, many of the materials crucial to her art practice were lost in the fire, causing significant personal and professional disruption.
Currently, Evans is staying in a hotel with assistance from the Red Cross while searching for new housing. Despite the adversities she faces, Evans continues to teach and maintain her performance commitments, drawing strength from the support of her artistic community.
The fire underscored the vulnerabilities of artists who, despite financial difficulties, often extend generosity within their circles. Evans expressed gratitude for the outreach and solidarity she received, demonstrating the resilience of those who have dedicated their lives to art and community.