Chashama, a non-profit group committed to giving artists free and affordable space to create and present their works, will be hosting its 20th Anniversary Gala on Monday June 8 with an evening of performances and interactive art showcasing its mission of activating unused space for artists and audiences.
The gala will transform the former Condé Nast offices and dining hall designed by Frank Gehry into a live demonstration of chashama’s programs before a mix of corporate and real estate executives, arts professionals, and innovative creators.
All proceeds will help chashama launch the Bronx Artist Housing Initiative, where artists will be placed in subsidized housing while taking part in community art projects for youth and seniors. In partnership with the Mid-Bronx Senior Citizens Council (MBSCC), chashama will work with artists who commit at least 20 hours a month to local community service with seniors and youth groups.
In exchange, artists will receive a subsidized apartment in the Morrisania and Concourse area of the Bronx and a small annual stipend for project costs and supplies. Priority is given to local artists who have a track record of using their art as social practice. Artist apartments are newly renovated studio or 1-bedroom apartments, ranging from $700 to $900 a month.
“This Gala offers an extraordinary experience for our guests, who will be invited to interact with performers and art installations throughout the evening as they flow through the party space,” chashama founder Anita Durst said.
“And our supporters have the deep satisfaction of knowing that their participation makes chashama’s programs possible. They give artists what they need most – space to create.”
The evening will honor Barbara and Donald Tober, leaders in supporting the arts. Barbara is the chairman emerita of the Museum of Arts and Design and Donald is the chairman and CEO of Sugar Foods Corporation.
Founded in 1995, chashama has successfully revitalized more than 80 properties, providing invaluable space to create for more than 12,000 artists.
Chashama’s programs, which serve more than 600 artists a year, support artists and the communities in which they work, and give artists exposure to a vast range of constituencies and neighborhoods in more than 130 annual free, public events across the city and in neighborhoods such as Harlem, Sunset Park, and Far Rockaway.
For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Anna Chan at (212) 391-8151 x42 or anna@chashama.org or visit: http://www.chashama.org/event/2015gala
