The NYC Performing Arts Spaces online space-finding databases provide artists with vital information for solving short-term workspace needs and enable cultural facilities to list available space. We also study the long-term space needs of New York’s performing arts communities and whether those needs are being met.
Download the survey results (152 KB PDF)
In spring 2009 we followed up on our 2008 online survey to cultural facilities in the five boroughs that list their rentable spaces on one or more of our websites. We also surveyed New York-based performing artists. Our aim was to assess the impact of the economic downturn on the two groups. results
Importantly, the challenges appear to have more to do with the economy than with workspace issues. Performing artists, especially musicians, have fewer bookings and less funding. As for facilities, although 45% had increased bookings over 2008, overall only 35% were booked 75% or more; while expenses increased for more than half the respondents, 67% kept their rental rates the same.
We are grateful to the Office of Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn for their continuing support.
Download the full report (936 KB PDF)
Drawing on documented patterns of supply and demand and on specially commissioned surveys of musicians, "Where Can We Work?" examines how the costs and availability of rehearsal and performance space restrict professional musicians' activity in New York City.
A grant from the New York State Music Fund (NYSMF) – established in 2006 to make productive use of the New York State Attorney General's payola settlement funds – made it possible for us to go beyond supply-and-demand data on rehearsal and performance space collected from nycMusicSpaces.org. It enabled us to examine how the availability of rehearsal and performance space in the New York City area directly impacts musicians' work patterns and productivity.
The study (1) identifies the rehearsal and performance space needs and consequent productivity constraints of professional performers, composers and music educators, and (2) proposes realistic strategies for grantors and policy makers to support musicians.
We are very grateful to the New York State Music Fund for their seminal grant and the opportunity to serve New York's music community. In addition, the Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation and the Amphion Foundation supported this study.
Download the survey results (45 KB PDF)
In spring 2008 we sent an online survey to 464 organizations across the five boroughs that list their rentable spaces on one or more of our websites. Our aim was to determine the extent to which changes in the NYC real estate market are affecting facilities that rent space to performing artists.
Among the noteworthy results was the fact that over one third (37%) of the Manhattan-based survey respondents considered their rental space to be "endangered" or "probably endangered". Forty-five percent of facilities suitable for theatre considered their rental spaces to be "endangered" or "probably endangered", considerably more than dance, music or multidisciplinary facilities.
We are grateful to Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn for her office's initial funding of a survey of City Council District #3 rental facilities, the results of which were the impetus for the larger study described above.
Download the full report (7,062 KB)
Stemming from the development of nycMusicSpaces.org is our report on the feasibility of a dedicated rehearsal center to serve New York City-based professional freelance orchestras.
The study focused on the experiences of 12 freelance orchestras and large professional vocal groups seeking — and not finding — suitable, affordable, consistently available rehearsal space. The study determined that many segments of the broader music community had the same rehearsal space needs and would welcome inclusion, thus ensuring the financial feasibility of a dedicated facility. Our report's key recommendation was a new dedicated musicians' center of at least 30,000 square feet on Manhattan's West Side. Based on our study, the Orchestra of St. Luke's (OSL) — the largest of the freelance orchestras involved — plans to develop and operate the forthcoming DiMenna Classical Music Center as a rehearsal home for OSL, with access available to other orchestras and large ensembles.
NYC Performing Arts Spaces is the only organization that is able to document what kinds of spaces performing artists are seeking in New York City's five boroughs.
Each month our websites track users' searches for space based on their criteria – location, rehearsal or performance space, size of space, preferred rent – and the search results. This data identifies usage needs, geographic areas and price ranges that are repeatedly requested. We analyze the data to determine cumulative preferred locations, space sizes and rental rates, and we seek new space listings meeting the criteria that are in greatest demand. Periodically, we survey performing artists to find out about their space needs and guide us in our development of new website features.
As for supply, our database categorizes facilities by their primary purpose, location, number of rentable spaces, and whether they are for-profit or nonprofit. In addition to professional venues, we invite facilities with underused spaces – educational and religious institutions, museums, libraries, art galleries, and community and cultural centers – to list these spaces on our websites, as doing so may help them earn additional income and extend their community outreach.
Our data:
We welcome contributions toward our studies, which are well-used resources by those in the public and private sectors. Help us help the cultural communities. Donate here.