50 Years of Artists Space and Beyond
Since first opening our doors in 1973, Artists Space has defined itself through collaborations with artists: at pivotal moments, we offer space, time, and fiscal resources to propel and advance their developing practices. Artists Space has long been known as a place for and constituted by artists; over the last fifty years, so many have acknowledged our central role in their careers. We are committed to continuing this important work at the highest level of excellence—regardless of always changing and unpredictable social, cultural, and economic conditions.
In recognition of our lasting and meaningful relationships with generations of artists, they will join us to establish the Artists Fund. Their transformative leadership is the ultimate call for individual supporters to not only meet but multiply their generosity. The Fund will be built over the next two years and will comprise numerous events and points of entry. This spring, it kicks off with Artists for Artists Space, a benefit exhibition whose artist-donors will be acknowledged as founding partners in the Fund. They will be bolstered by artists who will make significant cash contributions. This cohort will be joined by major individual donors to reach the Fund’s goal.
Artists Space holds the frontline of experimental practice. We fervently support and inspire the radical, ever-changing work of early-career artists across all mediums while also keeping step with the evolving tenets of contemporary practice by foregrounding issues of labor and equity. Artists Space has always supported the unknown, the speculative, the hermetic, the untested, and the evolving concerns of its time. Presenting the vanguard is not an easily sustainable path; thus, we rely on very small levels of support to only partially fund individual exhibitions of predominantly emerging and under-known artists. The Artists Fund provides an avenue for ensuring holistic support of our exhibition program and live performances regardless of an artist’s individual status. Support from the Artists Fund will be allocated annually to projects that require its resources.
From the beginning, Artists Space has remained an indispensable site for exhibitions, performances, public programs, and critical conversations while maintaining our founding commitment to complexity, collaboration, support for radical art forms and visibility for all communities. As Artists Space looks ahead to another fifty years as a beacon of New York cultural life, we would be grateful if you would join us in carving the path forward.
