Emergence of a Dominant Force in the Art World

The Powerhouse Arts, an innovative nonprofit arts organization, has transformed its historic Gowanus power station into a renowned hub for artists, providing a platform for fabricators, printmakers, and ceramicists to create large-scale artworks without leaving the city. With an expansive 170,000-square-foot space, the organization is expanding its scope to include exhibitions and performance venues comparable to the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Park Avenue Armory.

Powerhouse Arts recently launched a performing arts festival on its third floor, curated by Artistic Director David Binder and featuring William Kentridge’s opera “Sybil.” The festival lineup includes choreographers Hofesh Shechter and Christos Papadopoulos, along with interactive artwork by Kate McIntosh, fostering an engaging art-making experience for the public.

Powerhouse Arts president Eric Shiner emphasized the institution’s dedication to supporting artists with the necessary space and resources. Prominent artists and galleries have taken notice, pledging support to the festival and participating in collaborative projects. Notable events this year, including a printmaking fair and a multicultural art fair called Conductor, are set to become annual traditions.

The organization is bolstering its visual arts and public programs through strategic hires and plans to welcome new resident artists. Powerhouse Arts expertly integrates performance, visual arts, and experiential exhibitions, maintaining and celebrating unique graffiti from the late 1990s to early 2000s, all of which contribute to its distinctive character and aesthetic within the city.

As Powerhouse Arts continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the vibrant and accessible arts community it fosters, supporting independent arts journalism and advocating for inclusivity in art.