Art in General

Mission

Art in General is a nonprofit organization that assists artists with the production and presentation of new work. It changes in response to the needs of artists and informs and engages the public about their work.

About

Art in General was founded in 1981 by artists Martin Weinstein and Teresa Liszka in the General Hardware building—hence the name “Art in General”. Weinstein and Liszka aimed to create a space where artists could exhibit unconventional work and exchange ideas with their peers. The first exhibition took place in 1982. In its 30 years, the organization has emerged as one of New York City’s leading nonprofit arts organizations.

Today, Art in General fulfills its mission in a variety of ways, including the organization and presentation of exhibitions, hosting a national and international artist residency program, and through regular public programs and membership events. Beginning in 2005, its exhibition program has focused on the commissioning of new work from artists.

Art in General has two main gallery spaces, one on the sixth floor, and another in a street-level storefront known as the Project Space. The exhibition program focuses primarily on presenting artists’ work created through the New Commissions and Artist Residency Programs. When the commissioned artworks and projects are event-based, ephemeral or non-objects, special formats or programming are designed for the public to experience the work.

Facilities

Housed in a six-floor building that is located at the intersection of three neighborhoods in New York City (Tribeca, SoHo, and Chinatown), Art in General has a gallery space dedicated to rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. The gallery is located in the building’s 6th floor, and is approximately 2,000 square feet. The gallery underwent a major renovation by Steven Learner Studios beginning in 2006 and was re-opened in January 2007 with a more open and spacious exhibition area.

Art in General’s second gallery is a storefront space located at street-level. It was donated by Gerry Weinstein, CEO of General Tools, in the fall of 2003. This storefront gallery is approximately 600 square feet. The building’s 4th floor houses Art in General’s dynamic office area. General Tools, Inc. occupies the rest of the building