Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation

- 304 Boerum St #23, Brooklyn, NY 11206

In the vibrant and artistic landscape of Brooklyn, the Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation stands as a true community gem and a vital resource for creators and audiences alike. More than just a venue, this non-profit organization, founded in 2002, is dedicated to the advancement of interdisciplinary art and performance, with a strong emphasis on experimental dance. It is a place that celebrates artistic freedom, collaboration, and creative risk-taking, fostering a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through its doors. Under the guidance of its founder, Jonah Bokaer—a renowned choreographer, artist, and LGBTQ+ leader—the foundation has cultivated a unique space that serves as an incubator for the next generation of performers, all while making a meaningful contribution to the local community.

The core mission of the Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation is dual-faceted: to foster the development of new performance works across disciplines and to provide affordable arts spaces. Through its banner programs, including the cherished "Chez Bushwick," the foundation ensures that artists have access to subsidized rehearsal space, making it one of the most affordable options in New York City. This commitment to accessibility is a direct response to the needs of the creative community. The foundation also engages in arts advocacy, education, and community development, working to support diverse artists and enlarge the role of contemporary performance in society. It's a place where artists can not only create but also engage with the community through dialogue, performances, and collaborative projects.

Located at 304 Boerum St #23, Brooklyn, NY 11206, the Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation is nestled in the heart of a dynamic and artistically rich neighborhood. Its Brooklyn location makes it an accessible and central hub for New York City's creative community. The foundation is committed to being an inclusive space, with amenities designed to ensure comfort for all. These include wheelchair-accessible seating and a wheelchair-accessible toilet, which are crucial for making the arts truly accessible to everyone. In addition, the facility features gender-neutral toilets, which is a key part of its commitment to being a welcoming and safe space for the LGBTQ+ and transgender community. This thoughtful approach to accessibility and inclusivity reflects the foundation's core values.

The foundation's amenities go beyond just physical space. The community it serves is described as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, creating an environment where performers and patrons can feel authentic and secure. Furthermore, the foundation promotes environmental responsibility by offering clothing recycling, a unique feature that aligns with its progressive and community-minded ethos. This blend of artistic, social, and environmental consciousness is what makes the Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation a standout organization in New York City. The studio itself is often described as "spacious" and "warm," with a great "ambience" that makes it a true "gem" for performers.

The Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation offers a range of services and programs that are essential to the New York City arts ecosystem.

• Rehearsal and Performance Subsidies: Providing affordable, hourly rental rates for artists, including highly subsidized options.
• Artists-in-Residence (AIR) Program: Offering free rehearsal space and performance showcases for emerging and mid-career choreographers.
• Public Programs of Contemporary Art, Dance, and Performance: The foundation curates and hosts public events, including performances and exhibitions.
• Arts Advocacy, Education, and Community Development: Engaging in a broader mission to support the arts and its community.
• "RECESS" Program: A monthly salon space for informal showings and dialogue between artists and audiences.
• Space Rentals: Providing spacious studios for classes, informal showings, film shoots, and other uses.
• Jonah Bokaer Choreography: Sustaining the work of Jonah Bokaer, which includes choreography, visual art, and museum-based practices.

The foundation's commitment to supporting artists is particularly noteworthy, with its Artists-in-Residence program offering hundreds of hours of free rehearsal space, peer forums, and a final presentation. This is a critical lifeline for creators in a city where space is often prohibitively expensive.

The Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation is a true leader in the New York City arts community, with several key highlights that make it a uniquely valuable resource.

• LGBTQ+ Owned and Transgender Safe Space: The foundation proudly identifies as LGBTQ+ owned and actively works to create an inclusive and safe environment for its community. This is a vital and deeply appreciated feature for many artists and audiences.
• Affordable Arts Real Estate: The foundation’s dedication to providing affordable rehearsal space is a game-changer for independent artists in New York City, enabling them to create work without overwhelming financial burden.
• Interdisciplinary Focus: The foundation fosters a unique blend of dance, visual art, media, and performance. This cross-disciplinary approach encourages innovation and pushes the boundaries of contemporary art.
• Community-Oriented Mission: Beyond its artistic programs, the foundation is actively involved in community development and arts education, using its platform to support and uplift diverse voices.
• High-Quality and Welcoming Environment: Reviewers consistently praise the studio space itself as "spacious," "clean," and "amazing," highlighting its positive and inviting atmosphere.
• Proven Track Record: Since its founding, the organization has served thousands of artists and has been instrumental in creating multiple permanent art spaces in New York City.

For those ready to connect with this dynamic community, the Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation is easily reachable.

Address: 304 Boerum St #23, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA
Phone: (718) 418-4405

Choosing a place to support, create, or experience art in New York City is a decision that often comes down to values, and the Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation is worth choosing for its clear and unwavering commitment to its mission. The foundation's identity as an LGBTQ+ owned, transgender safe space, and its dedication to creating affordable, accessible arts real estate make it an invaluable resource for the creative community. It is a place where professional excellence and social responsibility go hand-in-hand. The positive feedback from artists, who feel welcomed and supported, and the accolades for its clean, warm, and spacious studios, speak volumes about the foundation's success. For anyone in Brooklyn and beyond who wants to engage with innovative, thought-provoking art while supporting an organization that genuinely cares about its community, the Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation is a must-visit destination. It’s a space that not only nurtures artists but also enriches the entire cultural landscape of New York.

Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation

304 Boerum St #23, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA