Last month saw the announcement of the Spaceworks initiative, a collaborative real estate intermediary that creates long-term and permanent studio and rehearsal space and repurposes existing underutilized space for use by artists. Local arts and community leaders have welcomed the initiative as a way to revitalize communities while addressing the critical need for affordable and accessible workspace for artists.

Megan Sheekey

President, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City

“We are grateful for ArtPlace’s selection of the Spaceworks initiative. New York City is a magnet for artists and affordable workspace is essential for them to thrive. With the help of Spaceworks, artists will continue to enhance the fabric of our city by revitalizing communities and spurring economic growth.”

Danny Simmons

Visual Artist

Former Chair, New York State Council on the Arts

“It's paramount that artists have affordable space to work and live. NYC is the creative capital of the world and in order to continue to present and nurture the arts creative people need public support. This initiative is a strong beginning in ensuring that the arts continue to thrive here. It is a tribute to our mayor and to this city's cultural policies that artists and the arts are so valued.”

Kate D. Levin

Commissioner, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs

“Thanks to support from ArtPlace, the Spaceworks initiative will help address the longstanding need for affordable workspace in the arts community. We look forward to working with artists and arts organizations around the City on this creative real estate initiative.”

Linda Shelton

Executive Director, The Joyce

“The development of affordable workspace for artists is critical to the vitality of the arts in New York City. We have created successful subsidized workspace programs through our Joyce SoHo and DANY facilities, and we welcome initiatives like Spaceworks that give artists more opportunities to rehearse and create new work.”

Anne Pasternak

President & Artistic Director, Creative Time

“Spaceworks is an incredibly timely initiative for visual artists in New York City. For years we have watched the City evolve and artists struggle to function in the rising real estate market. This entity to create affordable permanent studio and rehearsal facilities is the antidote the arts community so desperately needs.”