New York debuts arts complex vowing cultural 'equity' in glitzy Manhattan

A sparkling new addition to New York’s cultural offerings will open Friday, a highly anticipated interdisciplinary complex aiming to be an everyman’s art space in the upscale Hudson Yards real estate development. The futuristic Shed institution, constructed on a 20,000-square-foot, city-owned lot, is intended as the “cultural beating heart” of the controversial Hudson Yards, whose sea of corporate offices, high-end stores and pricey restaurants has been criticized as a playground for the rich. The much-hyped arts complex — which resembles something of a giant box nestled in a shimmering silver puffer jacket — will debut this week with a celebration of African American music directed by British Oscar winner Steve McQueen, and a set of theatrical concerts from the eclectic Icelandic performer Bjork next month. “We’re not retro-fitting,” said Alex Poots, the Shed’s founding artistic director. “We’re trying to purposely create a program that really represents a wide spectrum of artists