For Immediate Release

Beacon Communities LLC and Artspace, New Haven’s leading alternative space for contemporary art, have signed a ten-year lease for the 5,000 square foot space in the flagship corner of Ninth Square, steps from the New Haven Green and Union Station.

This long-term arrangement assures Artspace’s ability to plan for its free and welcoming exhibitions and programs that draw local, regional and national audiences. Artspace also will be able to continue to nurture and benefit local artists and enable the arts to contribute to the vitality of the city’s downtown.

“We are grateful to Beacon Communities for recognizing our two-decade history of animating the streetscape of Ninth Square–work which brings thousands of people to Ninth Square each year–and for helping create this long-term partnership,” said Helen Kauder, Executive Director of Artspace.

“Beacon Communities is thrilled to have Artspace be a part of Ninth Square’s next chapter as we work to revitalize and reinvest in the district,” said Dara Kovel, Beacon’s chief executive officer. “As a long-time resident of New Haven, I know what a critical institution Artspace is for the neighborhood and the wider New Haven community. We are proud to play a small part in its success.”

Adriane Jefferson, City of New Haven Director of Arts Culture & Tourism adds: “Artspace offers programming that focuses on social innovation and apprenticeship opportunities for New Haven youth. We are pleased that this valuable community asset will continue to be part of the fabric of downtown and its rich cultural offerings.”

Artspace is best known for its annual City-Wide Open Studios festival, in which visual artists put out the welcome mat and invite the public in to see where and how artwork is made, and for its Summer Apprenticeship Program for teens in New Haven’s public schools, an annual effort in its 20^th year that allows youth to work under the wing of an esteemed artist on the creation of a major gallery exhibition.  Artspace’s year-round, museum-caliber exhibitions are always free to visit.

To mobilize the community to support this important lease milestone, Artspace is holding a benefit auction on April 25^th, featuring nearly 100 works of art contributed by artists who have been part of its programs over the past three decades.  Tickets & information: artspacegala.org

Artspace Contact: Helen Kauder, helen@artspacenh.org

Beacon Communities LLC Contact: Judy Rakowsky, rakowsky@libertysquaregroup.com

City of New Haven Contact: Adriane Jefferson, AJefferson@newhavenct.gov

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