Temporary Art Projects in Non-Traditional Spaces: Present Conditions and Future Possibilities

The recession has left New York City real state companies, business improvement districts (BID), and arts organizations with a need to restore interest in commerce and communities. Recent collaborations supporting temporary art projects represent a solution to the challenges brought on by the downturn. Interviews with these groups reveal the expectations of each of the parties and how they are evaluating the success of recent projects. Furthermore, the discussions shed light on what measures will allow the relationships between these groups to continue after the economy recovers. In particular, the groups concurred that the emerging role of the business improvement districts, the possibility of arts organizations' move towards institutionalization, and the precedent for these temporary art projects indicated that the practice of placing artists in empty spaces in evolving. Therefore, it is uncertain what form the relationships and projects will take in the future. However, it is likely that these collaborations will continue.