Artspace Future FAQ
Updated: June 16, 2023
This set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is intended to be a living one and a central place to post answers to the most common questions we’ve been receiving. If you don’t see your question answered, please send us an email @ info@ artspace.org. We’ll answer you within 48 hours, sooner if we can, and update this FAQ as necessary.
Thank you for your support as we work through this challenging period.
Media Links about Artspace Transition
New Haven Independent, June 22, 2023; Brian Slattery
https://www.newhavenindependent.org/article/artspace_closing_sale
New Haven Register, June 21, 2023; Mark Zaretsky, staff writer
https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/artspace-closes-new-haven-art-gallery-continue-18160660.php
Hartford Courant, June 20, 2023, Christopher Arnot
https://www.courant.com/2023/06/20/a-legendary-ct-artspace-is-closing-its-physical-space/
Arts Paper, June 16, 2023, Lucy Gellman https://www.newhavenarts.org/arts-paper/articles/artspace-closes-its-orange-street-doors-open-studios-will-continue-as-artist-led-effort
New Haven Independent, June 16, Tom Breen
Q: What is happening?
A: Artspace is closing its venue to the public, effective immediately. The organization is working to downsize, reduce its operating costs, and give itself time to reassess its situation and plan for the future.
Q: Is Artspace closed for good?
A: In this location, yes. However, our intention is to raise funds to mount exhibitions, and for the time being do so in partnership with other spaces.
Q: Why is this happening?
A: After the public departure of its Executive Director in January 2023, the organization brought on an Interim Director, Karen Jenkins, who worked on assessing the condition of the organization. With little fundraising in the pipeline, and many obligations on the books, Artspace could not meet its expenses. It is working with all that it owes payment plans.
Q: When did Artspace move?
A: June 15, 2023.
Q: Where is it moving? What’s moving?
A: Our flat file and records are moving temporarily to safe storage at the Ely Center for Contemporary Art in New Haven. Staff will work remotely for now, as we all did during the height of the pandemic. Those adaptive skills and home set ups will serve us well in this interim period. Additionally, Artspace also has an archive of material housed at the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library at Yale. More information about that archive can be found here
Q: When is Artspace selling remaining items?
A: The sale is scheduled for June 21, 22, 12 – 6 PM; June 28, 12 – 6 PM
Q: How can I pay for items at the Sale?
A: We will be taking cash and checks only.
Q: If I’m press, who can I speak to?
A; Board President, Kara Straun. To arrange an interview, contact Anne Coates at acoates@allagash.llc and and she’ll help arrange it.
Q: Will you have community conversations so that the arts community can be involved in Artspace’s future?
A: That’s our intention. We are working on the path ahead and are committed to including the community as we shape Artspace’s future. We ask for your patience as we get through this phase.
Q: I hear that Artspace owes money to artists (stipends, commissions, honoraria for artistic participation etc)
A: Artspace has a number of significant financial obligations to a number of entities, including the IRS. This is due to the lack of payments for at least the past two years. Among the financial obligations are monies owed to artists. This is deeply regrettable and not at all consistent with the core values of Artspace. Supporting and lifting up artists is at the heart of this organization. We apologize for this situation and any hardship this may have caused. The board became aware of this situation when our Interim Director came on board, and set to work immediately to remedy the situation. We’re doing our best to fix this as quickly as possible, and have been in touch with each artist. The artists wiill be contacted again as we work out a payment schedule. We have prioritized these arrears payments to artists above all of the outstanding obligations. As a board, we share the commitment to paying artists equitably, fairly, and in a timely way according to our agreements for their participation and engagement at Artspace. We know that as an organization we have fallen down in honoring this commitment, and we understand that this may damage trust with our community. We pledge to do the work, not to only make good in full on our commitments, but to rebuild trust with our community.
Q: How long has Artspace been in that space on Orange Street?
A: Artspace informally began using that space in 1999; it formally took up residence in 2002.
Q: Who is on the board?
A: The Board president is Kara Straun. She is joined on the board by Mistina Hanscomb, Albert Lee, Kyle Kearson, and Jessica Labbe
Q: Who is currently on staff?
A; Karen Jenkins, Isaac Jean-François, Gabe Sacco, Steve Roberts. Financial and accounting services are being provided by an independent consultant.
Q: How can I help?
A: The best way to help right now is to continue to support the mission of the organization and stand with us. Donations will be essential to our ability to continue this transition, and to fund modest local artist exhibitions. If you can donate now, here’s the place to do it. Thank you!
Q: What will happen to Citywide Open Studios?
A: Artspace believes in the importance of Citywide Open Studios to the arts and artists in the region. This year, CWOS will likely be artist-run and our role is still to be determined.
Q: Who can I contact if I have suggestions?
A: Please write to us at info @ artspacenh.org. We will monitor this email box regularly and forward suggestions and comments to the appropriate person at Artspace.
Q: What will happen to the Summer Artspace Program (SAP)?
A: We’re going to run it at Creative Arts Workshop, at 80 Audubon Street. We’re grateful to them for hosting us and are looking forward to being immersed in that creative space. We’ll release more information about that shortly. Applications are still open and can be found by clicking here.
Q: I’d like to know more about the space Artspace is vacating
A: Artspace is based in New Haven, Connecticut, and since 2002 has operated officially out of a 5,000- square-foot storefront in a former Civil War-era furniture factory that anchors the city’s largest affordable housing complex. Prior to that home, Artspace collaborated with other venues around the city to mount its exhibitions and its headquarters had moved 3 times. In that way, the organization is returning, at least temporarily, to those roots.