Bushwick’s story began in the 17th century as a Dutch settlement known as Boswijk or Town of Woods. Over the centuries, it transformed through waves of immigration—Italian, then African American and Puerto Rican, and more recently, diverse Latino communities including Dominican and Central Americans. For many years, it remained a quiet farming village, slowly evolving into an industrial hub by the 19th century, populated by breweries and factories. 

The latter half of the 20th century saw significant challenges. During the late 1960s and 1970s, similar to other U.S. cities, Bushwick experienced riots and devastation, with many buildings abandoned as residents moved away, leading to a period dominated by drugs, poverty, and gangs. By the 1980s, 45% of the community lived below the poverty line as the crack epidemic swept through. 

However, the early 2000s marked a turning point when artists began moving to Bushwick, drawn by affordable rents and large loft spaces ideal for studios. This influx played a pivotal role in Bushwick’s rebirth as a mecca for graffiti and street art, setting the stage for the emergence of the Bushwick Collective.