Independent Art Fair Collaborates with Henry Street Settlement

The Henry Street Settlement, a prominent Lower Manhattan social services nonprofit, has announced a new partnership with the Independent Art Fair for its annual fundraising benefit. This collaboration follows the unexpected end of a longstanding 36-year relationship with the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA), which had provided significant funding over the years through their fall Art Show.

Scheduled to align with the 17th edition of the Independent Art Fair at Pier 36, from May 14 to May 17, the fundraising gala aims to generate crucial revenue for Henry Street, which assists over 50,000 New Yorkers yearly through diverse programs in social services, arts, health care, and housing. With ADAA recently pausing its fall fair for strategic reasons, this new partnership with the Independent Art Fair opens avenues for continued financial support.

David Garza, CEO of Henry Street, emphasized the importance of this partnership for providing opportunities to the city’s most vulnerable residents. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Dee, founder of Independent, expressed that the partnership is a strategic fit, especially as the fair relocates to the Lower East Side, near Henry Street’s central operations. The collaboration signifies a potential long-term relationship, positioning Henry Street as a central philanthropic focus for the fair.

This partnership announcement follows Independent’s recent collaboration with Sotheby’s for a fall modern art fair at a new location on Madison Avenue, deepening its ties with major art institutions.

Additionally, nonprofits like Henry Street are navigating challenges brought by reduced federal funding, such as cutbacks from the US Department of Agriculture, affecting essential food programs. Garza noted the urgency of finding innovative solutions to maintain critical services at a time when further cuts may loom.

Garza’s comments foreshadow tough times ahead, emphasizing the need for creative approaches to sustain community programs. The Independent Art Fair partnership represents a significant step towards maintaining vital support for New Yorkers in need.