Published
Wed, Aug 8, 2012, 10:45
- Construction delays at the academy's studios have forced organizers to push the dates back.
Construction delays have forced Red Bull Music Academy to postpone this year's edition in New York until May 2013.
"Due to delays at the venue, we are not able to complete the build-out in time for the original opening date of September 30 without compromising on the quality of the facilities that are currently being built in Manhattan to house the Academy and our future projects in NYC," RBMA said in a written statement today. "The five-week long workshop and festival will now be held from April 28 to May 31, 2013."
Participants have already been selected for the 15th edition of the traveling workshop series, which would have taken place from September 30th through November 2nd, had construction at the academy's studios gone smoothly. RBMA builds studios in every host city, both for their own sessions and as something to leave behind when the academy finishes. This year Red Bull planned to move their New York headquarters to the new site as well. Since it's uncertain how long the delays might drag on, RBMA decided to give a wide berth leading up to the new dates to ensure there are no further postponements.
This isn't the first time RBMA have run into problems in New York. Their last academy in the city took place in 2001, and came to a dramatic and premature end when the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11th. 2011 wasn't an easy year for RBMA either: last year's edition was supposed to take place in Tokyo, and was relocated to Madrid in the aftermath of the earthquake.
RBMA are emphatic that nothing has changed with year's event aside from the dates. "A list of lecturers and full details on all shows taking place around NYC will be announced early next year," they say. "We are fully committed and looking forward to bringing the Red Bull Music Academy to New York starting April 28, 2013—especially since it now marks the kick off to our 15 year anniversary. See you in the spring."