Chashama, Inc.
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I've been an artist in Chashama's studio residency program for three years. In that time, they have provided me with an affordable studio space that is close to home, they've given me solo shows and participation in group shows, they've provided me access to gallery spaces, and coordinated open studios to increase my visibility as an artist. They are always accessible, very hands-on, and always working on new ways to promote the creation of new artworks by their constantly growing roster of resident artists. They've fostered an art community in a developing area, and continue to work with pre-existing local art groups on various projects. I am eternally grateful to Chashama for giving me the space to create my art, for giving me the opportunity to share my process with an incredible community of artists with residencies in the same building, and for encouraging me to share my artistic contributions with the world at large. Specifics: my studio is about 150 square feet with two large south facing windows. It's ten blocks from my house. I spend between 3 and 6 hours there every day. Chashama has a rolling admissions policy: they contacted me when a studio opened up in my exact vicinity, which was about 8 months after I first applied.
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The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
many ways: low rent studio space, shows, gallery space, interaction with art programs and the art community at large.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try to create more connections between resident artists and the gallery network.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
having access to a studio in a building filled with artists.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
all levels, administrative, creative, etc. The person that started the program is around all the time.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
bring back a New York as the art capital of the world.
Ways to make it better...
I had taken more advantage of the exhibition possibilities that exist.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
finding enough spaces for all of the people who want them.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I'm glad they exist, they've made a big impact on my progress as an artist.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Chashama has many interactive storefront displays and exhibits in the midtown Manhattan area. I have immensely enjoyed watching reactions of passers-by, especially the space they currently have on West 44th Street. Chashama has a wonderful effect on midtown Manhattan to delight tourists and cause people who work in the area to think of larger life-affirming issues during their daily commute. Thanks Chashama!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the opportunity chashama provides to young artists, providing them with space and the ability to collaborate with other artists. I also enjoy the fact that chashama hosts fundraisers, such as the New Orleans event planned for Saturday 2/13/2010.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
The storefront exhibitions I have seen have been smart and unexpected. They seem to be really exciting opportunities for the participating artists.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the storefront exhibitions.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
They excel in creating a space and professional opportunities for artists to develop their work - they are completely focused with a dedicated crew.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
their creation of art spaces so profoundly needed in New York
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the opportunity to meet its artists and its dedicated staff
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Technical and administrative staff who possessed both experience and dedication
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand its already important base of artist studios in New York; create more studios and expand one of the most needed resources in New York - studio space where artists can create a community in affordable studios.
Ways to make it better...
If more of the community and funding agencies would recognize Chashama's growing role for New York-based artists
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
My name is Sylvie Covey. As an artist I have known chashama since its debut and have had the chance to see this organization grow into what it is today: Chashama is the best non-profit organization for the arts. It provides work space, exhibition space and art venues to performing artists, musicians, Visual arts and so on. The staff is hard working, kind and efficient. I have had two solo shows in Midtown through chashama and both were successful. I continue to participate to all chashama events and I am a faithful supporter.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
having two solo shows of my work in chashama spaces in midtown Manhattan. The location of the spaces were great and drew a lot of people to see the shows.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
it gives a chance to non-represented artists producing non commercial works to actually have a space to show or perform.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
were extremely efficient, dedicated and helpful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
grow and touch many more lives.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have had two shows of my paintings through chashama, one in 2006 and the most recent in 2009. Both events were extremely positive. I now live in Maine so there were quite a few logistics to work through. The organization and staff made that process very smooth. The physical spaces provided excellent exposure, but the personnel were what made the experience so great. I got a lot of help from Darryl Hell. It's a wonderful concept and one that is carried out very well. I applaud chashama.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The dedicated and involved staff
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
caring, personable, passionate about their work
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
provide amazing spaces and funding for the arts.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
New York City has become prohibitively expensive for artists to live, work and create. Chashama came up with a brilliant plan to take temporarily vacant properties and turn them into galleries, performance spaces and studios. As a local artist I have benefited by receiving free storefront space donated by chashama for an art installation. Also, I appreciate chashama’s investment in my community – I’m thrilled to see previously empty buildings filled with exciting, provocative works of art and performance. And as a member of the audience I have attended chashama’s film festivals, performances and shows. Chashama is bringing back the vibrant, creative, diverse New York that has been slipping away. I was given a storefront space in Times Square over the December holidays. It was an opportunity for me to show my work to thousands of viewers. I made art in the space – as well as exhibiting my work – so that the visitors walking by the Times Square window could come in and meet a local working artist. The chashama staff was an absolute pleasure to work with The technical director, Darryl Hell, painted and spackled the space so that it was gallery-ready when I arrived. Darryl was there with extra lighting and advice, if I needed it. The chashama staff also did the publicity for the show and took wonderful photographs, documenting the show. Chashama also has a great listserve with great opportunities for artists.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
open up many more studio, rehearsal and performance spaces for NY artists. The artists in NY are desperate for work space, and more and more artists are moving away. There are so many empty storefronts in the East Village ...
Ways to make it better...
I could have received a small stipend to cover the costs of setting up the show.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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