Gov. Kathy Hochul has approved an additional $600,000 in state funding to support the purchase of a permanent venue for The Wild Project, a nonprofit arts organization based in Manhattan's East Village. This increases the total state funding for the acquisition of the organization's 89-seat theater to $1.2 million. The funding is intended to provide long-term stability for the venue and expand opportunities for emerging, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and local artists.
“New York’s creative spirit depends on the spaces where artists gather, experiment, and share their work,” said Gov. Hochul, according to the Governor’s office. Serving as a hub for independent artistic expression, The Wild Project’s permanent residence in the East Village reflects the state’s support for sustaining community arts infrastructure.
The financial package includes $1.1 million administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and a $100,000 capital grant from Empire State Development. The Wild Project has occupied the building at 195 East 3rd Street since its founding in 2007. “DASNY is proud to administer this State investment that preserves one of New York City’s most dynamic and inclusive cultural spaces,” Robert J. Rodriguez, DASNY President and CEO, said in a statement. The Governor’s office noted that the funding supports the continuation of the organization’s operations and its role in the local arts community.
“Securing a permanent home for wild project ensures that one of New York’s most innovative and inclusive arts organizations can continue to uplift emerging voices and strengthen the East Village’s creative ecosystem,” Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight stated, acknowledging the venue's significance in driving neighborhood vibrancy. Former Representative Carolyn Maloney, instrumental in granting $1 million in federal funding toward the building’s purchase, highlighted the investment’s role in enriching New York’s artistic community. The Governor’s office also emphasized the state’s support for sustaining cultural spaces and opportunities for local artists.
The development has been recognized by members of the local arts community and political leaders. Assemblymember Grace Lee highlighted the venue’s role in supporting the next generation of artists. The purchase has been described by The Wild Project’s Producing Artistic Director Ana Mari de Quesada and Producing Director Tom Escovar as the result of years of effort and the support of the organization’s artists and community backers.
The Wild Project’s permanent home will support the continued operation of a cultural venue in New York City. The theater includes eco-friendly features such as solar panels, a rooftop garden, and sustainable building materials. Representatives from the arts sector, including IndieSpace Executive Director Randi Berry and NYC Create in Place Senior Policy Advisor Anne del Castillo, highlighted the venue’s role in providing space for artistic programming and cultural activities.
