In 2025, Artspace will celebrate a decade of sustainable operations at El Barrio’s Artspace PS109: A gorgeous, historic building in East Harlem that is home to 120+ residents.
While anyone who qualified for affordable housing could apply to live there, Artspace gave preference to artists—which is especially important in America’s cultural capital where too many creatives struggle to afford the cost of living. To help retain the neighborhood’s unique Latino identity, Artspace reserved 50% of units for existing El Barrio residents. The demand testified to the deep need, with 400 waitlisted for 89 units when PS109 opened.
Today, the building and its residents continue to contribute to El Barrio’s dynamic culture. “What excites me most about El Barrio’s Artspace is seeing how it transforms the lives of artists,” said Rolinda Ramos, Director of Operations & Programming at PS109. “This year, with 22 exhibitions, 11 theater productions, and ongoing monthly programs, we continue to thrive as a place where artists find opportunities that are hard to come by elsewhere.”
Learn more at artspace.org/ps109