Event · Brownsville
Brownsville, Brooklyn: Jazmine Hayes's "I Am Protected" at the New Multi-Service Center
New York City unveiled a $128 million multi-service center in Brownsville, Brooklyn, in September. East New York-raised artist Jazmine Hayes created "I Am Protected," four works commissioned through the Percent for Art program, placed across the building and its community garden.
By NBT Editors · 2026-10-16
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On September 28, 2026, New York City unveiled the Brownsville Multi-Service Center in Brooklyn. It cost $128 million, and the city says it was delivered two years ahead of schedule and $10 million under budget. The building stands at 444 Thomas S. Boyland Street, which local press places between Pitkin and East New York avenues. Spread through it is a public art commission by Jazmine Hayes, titled "I Am Protected."
Hayes is a Brooklyn-based artist who was born and raised in neighboring East New York. The works were commissioned through the Department of Cultural Affairs' Percent for Art program. Since 1982, that law has required one percent of the budget for eligible city-funded construction to go to public art. The project received the NYC Public Design Commission's 43rd Annual Award for Excellence in Design in 2025. Hayes draws on braids, cowry shells and repeating patterns, with themes of protection, reclamation and healing.
There are four works. "In my mothers' garden," in the community garden, shows a person planting a seed while a deity pours water back into the land. The patterned map behind the figures replicates an aerial view of NYCHA's Brownsville Houses. "I am divinely guided" is a suspended spiral of 444 resin cowry shells, 111 of them made with upcycled plastics. "Like the seeds in my cornrows" uses braid motifs designed by Brownsville youth, layered over panels that replicate the mapping used in the garden. "I shall grow tall to the skies" is a large mural of a Moko Jumbie, a stilt walker from West African and Caribbean traditions who is regarded as a protector.
The four-story, all-electric building has 60,000 square feet with 10 offices, three conference rooms that can combine into one large meeting space, a commercial kitchen, a 1,600-square-foot garden and green roofs. The Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs will operate it, and Brooklyn Community Board 16's offices will be inside. The Department of Social Services says the doors will open to the community in the coming months. Hayes said she wants every child who enters to be met with an affirmation of curiosity, care and imagination.
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