The Bronx Council on the Arts was founded in the early 1960s when community leaders: Jerry Klot, Reverend William Kaladjian and others came together to provide summer arts & culture activities in the Bronx.

That changed in 2011 when Chase donated the former Washington Mutual Branch located at 2700 East Tremont Avenue to be used as their headquarters.

Due to lack of funds, the group was unable to develop and utilize the space.

In 2015 with support from Councilman James Vacca and Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr and other donors, they were able to obtain the funds needed to renovate the building and utilize it as their central office[5] and moved in during 2019.

The program has grown into a yearly series of workshops located at various cultural venues across the Bronx and functions as not just a place for emerging writers to cultivate their skill but a place for writers to find creative mentors, network and work on professional development.