Space to Connect grew out of Chashama’s decades-long efforts to serve the communities where we operate and contribute to the well-being and quality of life of our neighbors. Chashama formalized these efforts in 2015 with the programming that grew into Space to Connect, through which we provide art classes and community programming to New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds. We collaborate with organizations that have limited capacity to offer arts to their members. Together, we create high-quality artistic programming at no cost to the partnering agency or their members. In FY2018 alone our programming has included clay workshops for domestic violence survivors, a community quilt project, and self-care workshops for service employees of local hospitals.
Space to Connect is led by Program Coordinator Cayla Casciani, and we are proud to have partnered with the following organizations:
Atlas:DIY
BKLYN Clay
The Center for Family Life
Dedalus Foundation
Earthworks NYC
Fordham Bedford Housing & Community Services
Gasworks NYC
The Islamic Cultural Center of NYC
La Mano Pottery
Lenox Hill Hospital
Mixteca Organization
Mount Sinai Hospital
The NARS Foundation
National Domestic Workers Association
1199 – SEiU (United Healthcare Workers East)
The Stanley Isaac Neighborhood Center
VIP Mujeres (Violence Intervention Program)
Washington Heights
Chashama’s Washington Heights Work Spaces are located in an apartment building at 535-539 162nd St.
Artists in this year-round program give monthly demonstrations and teach classes to the residents of the building in exchange for their Work Space. Chashama provides access to Materials for the Arts (MFTA) and a limited budget for the artists to acquire materials for the classes.
Bronx
Chashama’s Space to Connect program in the Bronx is a collaboration with the Bronx-based housing and community service organization Fordham Bedford.
The artists in this year-round program teach weekly classes for Fordham Bedford’s community programs in exchange for their Work Space. Chashama provides access to Materials for the Arts (MFTA), a materials budget, and an artist stipend.
Space to Connect is made possible through the generous support of the David Rockefeller Fund, M&T Bank, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and the NYC City Council Cultural Immigrant Initiative, thanks to City Council members Daniel Garodnick, Ben Kallos, and Carlos Menchaca. Space to Connect is thankful to the New York Community Trust for providing the initial funding which laid the foundation for Space to Connect.
To Apply
More of a paper person? Download, print, fill out, and submit a Paper Application by mail or drop it off at our office.
* Emailed and/or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
