Spaceworks, a nonprofit committed to building affordable, long-term work spaces for artists throughout New York City, opened two pilot sites in 2013—one for performing artists and one for visual artists. In our last two blog entries for ArtPlace America, Spaceworks describes each of these projects, beginning with Spaceworks Long Island City (LIC), a rehearsal space for performing artists.
This past August Spaceworks celebrated the grand opening of its pilot rehearsal facility, Spaceworks LIC. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined Spaceworks Executive Director Paul Parkhill, board chair Pamela Wasserstein, New York City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin, and other local officials for the ribbon cutting ceremony at our inaugural studio spaces for dance, music and theater artists. The event was covered by several media outlets including NY1, The Wall Street Journal Metropolis Section, Metro and AM New York.
Spaceworks LIC was developed in a partnership with Healing Arts Initiative (HAI), an arts therapy organization based in the same facility, to renovate nearly 4,000 square feet in the ground floor of a former Swingline Stapler factory into three studios for theater and dance and a smaller space for music rehearsals. Spaceworks LIC includes a variety of features prized by artists, such as soundproof walls, sprung floors, wireless internet, music and sound equipment, air conditioning, storage, large windows, mirrors, and ballet barres. These rehearsal spaces are open daily from 8am-midnight and are available for rates ranging from $12-$16 per hour.
Since its opening, performing arts groups from Queens and beyond have begun rehearsing at Spaceworks LIC, including Janusphere Dance Company, Vertigo Theater Company, Mare Nostrum Elements Movement Theater and music groups PUSHMETHOD and thingNY. Spaceworks has also entered into a program partnership with The Chocolate Factory Theater, a local performing arts presenter, allowing its affiliated artists to rehearse at Spaceworks LIC in preparation for their upcoming shows.
In addition to bringing new, high quality space online quickly and affordably, Spaceworks had another goal for this pilot rehearsal space: to develop, test and implement new, technologically sophisticated systems for applications, booking, payment and access. Artists interested in rehearsing in the facility apply to receive a Spaceworks Card, which is activated by online reservations and acts a key card that grants access to the studio. The system maximizes flexibility and security of the space and thus far 36 artists and organizations have signed up for cards.
As we work to bring new facilities online, the lessons learned from Spaceworks LIC will play a critical role in ensuring the success of new projects throughout New York City.