About the Windows Program:
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis – but don't delay, spaces fill up quickly!
*NEW* Subject to availability, chashama is now offering a $50/week rental of a Sprint wireless broadband router (with $50 deposit).
The Windows Program is a hallmark public art initiative of chashama, enlivening vacant storefronts with multi-disciplinary performances and visual installations. The program offers art in unexpected public places, and aims to build a broader audience for contemporary art and performance.
For artist applicants, the possibilities are endless. In the past we've supported tableaux vivants, Butoh performances, radio plays, films and video displays, puppetry, photography, graffiti art – we're open to whatever your mind can dream up! Artists have found this to be an ideal situation to further develop both new and old work, as they gain immediate feedback from a wide range of viewers.
The Windows Program has two points of entry: by curated rental or via Windows Awards, and a competitive award process. Rentals are by the week or month and are offered at affordable, subsidized rates. (currently between $250 - $1000 a week). Windows Awards offers free space, and marketing, technical and administrative support, and may include a small stipend. All Windows Program projects are chosen based upon feasibility, venue limitations, and artistic/experimental vision.
Though not a necessity, we have a preference for work that actively engages the passerby.
Note: It is recommended that you make site visits to these window spaces to see which space would be the best for your project before submitting an application.
266 W 37th: This window space is located on a Garment District block with heavy daytime foot traffic, and it is fully equipped with theatrical sound and lighting. If you are proposing a visual art installation, please consider this. For a complete floor plan and technical specs, please go to http://www.chashama.org/266w37/index.php.
112 W 44th: This installation/window space is within the tourist zone of Time Square, close to Bryant Park, and often has packs of theater goers passing by. It is a large space with a wide window, and a back room for costume changes or additional set pieces. Track lighting normally used for exhibits can be refocused into the space and controlled from the back room. A sound system is not currently installed, but may be in the future. For a complete floor plan, please go to http://www.chashama.org/112w44/index.php.
141 East 33rd Street @ Lexington Avenue: This venue, at the corner of Lexington Ave and 33rd Street, has 4 windows on the Lexington Ave side, and 4 windows facing 33rd Street. There are metal supports behind each window for hanging artwork. This venue is currently for VISUAL ART ONLY. For pictures of the space, please go to http://www.chashama.org/141e33/index.php.
NOTE: 679 3rd Avenue has been returned to the owner and is no longer available.
Download Window application form and guidelines (PDF format)
For more information, please email your questions to Programming Director Janusz Jaworski at janusz@chashama.org.