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.