Nestled in the heart of New York City’s vibrant Lower East Side, Equity Gallery has emerged as a beacon for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Founded in October 2015 by Melinda Wang, the gallery operates under the auspices of the New York Artists Equity Association, Inc. (Artists Equity), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting opportunities for artists since 1947[1].
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ContactA New Type of Gallery
What sets Equity Gallery apart is its unique approach to supporting artists and engaging with the community. As Melinda Wang explains, the gallery “is designed to be a new type of gallery that meets a broad range of artists’ needs.”[1] It serves as a multifaceted space that simultaneously functions as a gallery for artists to exhibit and sell their work, a hub for professional workshops and innovative programming, and a gathering place for artists, curators, and patrons[1].
In an art world increasingly focused on commercialization, Equity Gallery aims to provide a space that celebrates the artistic process and the artist as a creative provocateur[1]. By prioritizing the needs of artists and fostering a sense of community, the gallery has become a vital resource for emerging and established artists alike.
Empowering Artists
One of the key initiatives spearheaded by Equity Gallery is the Equity Gallery Curatorial Program. This program focuses on socially engaged projects and has resulted in the curation and production of 20 exhibitions between October 2015 and July 2017[1]. These exhibitions have explored a wide range of topics, from the refugee crisis and queer aesthetics to gentrification, humans in the digital age, Black history, selfie culture, and socio-political resistance[1].
Through these exhibitions, Equity Gallery has provided a platform for over 80 artists, including the first solo exhibitions in NYC for six artists[1]. By offering exhibition opportunities and curatorial support, the gallery empowers artists to showcase their work and engage with critical issues that resonate with contemporary audiences.
In addition to exhibitions, Equity Gallery offers a series of monthly free professional development workshops for artists. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, including artist statements, legal issues, immigration, health insurance, social media, press releases, and artist residencies[1]. By providing these resources, the gallery equips artists with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complex landscape of the art world.
Engaging Communities
Equity Gallery’s commitment to empowering artists is matched by its dedication to engaging with the broader community. Through collaborations with other non-profit organizations and a neighborhood partnership program, the gallery seeks to foster meaningful connections between artists and the public[1].
One of the ways Equity Gallery engages with the community is through its exhibition-related panel discussions and interdisciplinary performances[1]. These events provide a forum for artists, curators, and the public to come together and engage in critical conversations about the issues and ideas explored in the exhibitions.
The gallery also maintains an active online presence, with an integrated website and social media channels that showcase the work of its member artists and highlight the organization’s rich history and founding members[1]. Through campaigns like #MemberMondays and the “Our Community” interview series, Equity Gallery celebrates the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of its artists and invites the public to learn more about their work and creative processes[1].
A Vital Resource for Artists
For artists seeking support, resources, and opportunities, Equity Gallery offers a range of membership options. From the Ivory tier for emerging and student artists to the Rose tier for established artists seeking more involvement with the organization, there are options to suit artists at various stages of their careers[6].
Benefits of membership include access to programming and social events, networking opportunities, portfolio reviews, studio visits, and the chance to submit work to juried exhibitions and member-exclusive opportunities[6]. For mid-career and professional artists, the Lifetime Membership tier provides enhanced exhibition opportunities, an online presence, critical review, and the opportunity to support the association, its programs, and membership[6].
By offering these membership options, Equity Gallery ensures that artists have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in their creative practices. Whether an artist is just starting out or has an established career, the gallery provides a welcoming and inclusive community that values the contributions of all its members.
A Bright Future
As Equity Gallery continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to empowering artists and engaging communities remains unwavering. Under the direction of Michael Gormley, the gallery has mounted an ambitious program that aims to showcase work by emerging, overlooked, or underrepresented artists[15].
With exhibitions like “The Mother | The Father,” which explores expansive approaches to the definitions of Mother and Father beyond literal associations of parenting[12], and solo shows featuring artists like Frank Holliday[16], Equity Gallery continues to push boundaries and provoke meaningful conversations.
As the art world navigates the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, spaces like Equity Gallery will play an increasingly vital role in supporting artists and fostering a sense of community. By prioritizing the needs of artists and engaging with the broader public, the gallery offers a model for how art institutions can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
For artists and art lovers alike, Equity Gallery represents a beacon of hope and possibility. It is a space where creativity is celebrated, where critical issues are explored, and where the transformative power of art is fully realized. As the gallery continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of the art world and empowering the next generation of artists.
Citations: [1] https://www.melindawang.com/artists-equity-about [2] https://50arrowgallery.com [3] https://www.lctix.com/art-gallery/ [4] https://www.nybg.org/about/press-room/image-listing/exhibitions/ [5] https://www.pacegallery.com/culture-equity/ [6] https://www.nyartistsequity.org/join-and-give [7] https://www.ohanloncenter.org/exhibits/call-for-entries/ [8] https://smfa.tufts.edu/events-exhibitions [9] https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Community/Play-Lynnwood/Arts-Culture-and-Heritage/Art-Exhibits [10] https://fristartmuseum.org/exhibitions/ [11] https://artistsequity.com [12] https://www.nyartistsequity.org [13] https://www.mos.org/visit/exhibits [14] https://www.equityarts.org/about-us [15] https://artspiel.org/with-the-grain-at-new-york-artists-equity/ [16] https://www.nyartistsequity.org/all-events/frank-holliday-saturn-return [17] https://artguide.artforum.com/artguide/equity-gallery-20711 [18] https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/258598-milikin-on-private-equity/ [19] https://www.equityarts.org/who-we-are [20] https://www.punahou.edu/the-arts/fine-arts/kirsch-gallery