Access to affordable space has always been a concern for New York City theatre makers; this episode shines the spotlight on some visionary leaders who recognized the need for more artistic space and decided to do something about it! Despite some closures during the COVID-19 lockdown and ever-rising real estate costs, the story of New York City’s artistic venues may actually be one of evolution and rebirth. 

Tune in as leaders from Brooklyn Art Haus, IndieSpace, and People’s Theatre Project discuss breaking ground on new real estate ventures, their place in their communities, and how they balance affordability with the need to financially sustain their space!

“I don't know a single venue operator in the indie scene that doesn't want to make their space more affordable for the people to use it. We all want that.” - Randi Berry

Episode Transcript 
Website Link

GUESTS:

Randi Berry, Executive Director of IndieSpace 

Isaac Bush, Founder and Executive Director of Brooklyn Art Haus

Mino Lora, Founding Executive Director of People's Theatre Project  

 

INTERVIEWER:
David E. Shane (he/him/his), Director of Program Services, A.R.T./New York

 

HOSTS:

Ashley J. Hicks (a.k.a. Ash, she/her) Programs Coordinator for A.R.T./New York

Nicky Maggio or “N” (they/them) Programs Manager at A.R.T/New York 

**Visit the episode webpage for full guest and host bios

 

Additional Links:
IndieSpace
People’s Theatre Project
Brooklyn Art Haus
HERE Arts Center
Rattlestick Theater
Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance
National Black Theatre
The Bushwick Starr

For more information about A.R.T./New York, please visit https://www.art-newyork.org/

If you’d like to receive new episodes as they’re published, please subscribe to “What’s Off?” in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.

“What’s Off?” Production Staff
David E. Shane, Executive Producer
Erica Wray Barnes, Associate Producer
Ashley J. Hicks, Episode Line Producer
Dante32, Audio Engineer