ARTSY publishes article “Inside New York’s Last Remaining Artists Housing” Feb 2019

Photo CMaile

“Ultimately, Westbeth forces us to consider why it’s so difficult to value the function of artists in society. The work of an artist isn’t always about productivity, and we don’t always see the results of this creative labor. “Imagining is something you do,” Gruen clarified, “not something that happens. It’s the job of the artist to daydream.” This might seem quaint, but Gruen knows that “being successful doesn’t necessarily mean fame or gallery representation. It is simply having the time and space to work.”

– Julia Wolkoff
! February 2019
All photos in article are by Frankie Alduino
Artsy.net

Read full article HERE

This is a lovely article about Westbeth that explores the complexity of artists’ lives and how providing affordable housing supports their immeasurable contribution to the cultural and economic life of the city.

A few minor corrections:

1. Residency Limitation: Although the co-founders of Westbeth had intended a residency limit of 5 years, it was not incorporated into leasing documents or any other written requirement. Early on, the new tenants voiced concern for the need for stability in their own creative lives, and the lives of the children. Westbeth was unusual in its time for its welcome to artists and their families.

Therefore there was no Board failure to enforce a 5 year limit, because in effect it was never formally required.

Invigorated by the optimism at the time, the co-founders had hoped Westbeth would be a springboard for commercial success for its artists residents. Rather that success is evident in the tangible and intangible benefits that Westbeth artists contribute by their work and presence to the immense vitality of the city.

2. Opening of Wait List. There is no cap on residency in the anticipated opening of the wait list.

3. Westbeth is rent stabilized. It is not rent controlled. It became rent stabilized in 2012.

4. There are other artists housing in New York City: ArtSpace in East Harlem which opened a few years ago, and Manhattan Plaza which opened in 1977 and is approx 70% performing artists.

5. New School Drama has its own building in the Westbeth complex. Their students use that building’s entrance on Bank St. They along with Martha Graham students and Westbeth residents all use the Bank St courtyard to relax, and rehearse in warm weather.