Artists Space has been a cornerstone of New York City’s contemporary art scene since its inception in 1972. Founded by arts administrator Trudie Grace and critic Irving Sandler, this non-profit organization was established with a clear mission: to support young, emerging artists and provide an alternative platform separate from the traditional museum and commercial gallery system.
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ContactThe Early Years
In its early days, Artists Space implemented a unique exhibition model. Twenty-one prominent artists were chosen to produce one-person exhibitions, and these artists then selected three unaffiliated artists to show work simultaneously. This innovative approach provided emerging artists with much-needed visibility while giving established artists curatorial agency.
Programs and Initiatives
Throughout its history, Artists Space has developed several programs to support artists:
- Visiting Artists Lecture Series
- Emergency Materials Fund
- Independent Exhibitions Program
- The Artists File (formerly Unaffiliated Artists File)
These initiatives were designed to provide financial assistance, exhibition opportunities, and increased visibility for artists both within and outside of the organization’s physical space.
A Hub for Critical Dialogue
Artists Space has consistently been at the forefront of critical dialogues in the art world. The organization has engaged with pressing topics such as institutional critique, racism, the AIDS crisis, and Occupy Wall Street. This commitment to addressing social and political issues through art has solidified Artists Space’s reputation as a vital institution in New York’s cultural landscape.
Notable Exhibitions
One of the most significant exhibitions in the organization’s history was “Pictures,” curated by Douglas Crimp in 1977. This show featured multimedia works by artists like Troy Brauntuch, Jack Goldstein, Sherrie Levine, and Robert Longo, and went on to travel to other museums across the country. It became a defining moment in postmodern art.
Evolving with the Times
As the art world has changed, so too has Artists Space. The organization has adapted to the shifting needs and concerns of artists and audiences in and outside of New York. Today, the program oscillates between local and global critical debates, while creating a platform for artists that are underrepresented within the context of New York.
Current Location and Operations
As of 2019, Artists Space is located at 11 Cortlandt Alley in the Financial District of Manhattan. This move marks the sixth location for the organization since its founding, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability in the face of New York’s ever-changing real estate landscape.
Conclusion
For over five decades, Artists Space has remained a vital institution in New York’s art scene. By fostering critical discourse, education, and advocacy for artistic work, it continues to play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of contemporary art and society. As it moves forward, Artists Space remains committed to its founding principles while evolving to meet the needs of today’s artists and art enthusiasts.
Citations: [1] https://artistsspace.org/history/ [2] https://findingaids.library.nyu.edu/fales/mss_291/ [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artists_Space [4] https://brooklynrail.org/2020/07/artonic/Artists-Space/ [5] https://blog.praxiscenterforaesthetics.com/non-profit-spotlight-artists-space/ [6] https://artistsspace.org/about [7] https://www.culturedmag.com/article/2020/01/08/a-short-history-of-artists-space [8] https://artistsspace.org/exhibitions/all-these-different-things-are-sculpture