# Powerhouse Arts

> https://powerhousearts.org
> A not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression housed in a purpose-built facility in Gowanus, Brooklyn

## About

Powerhouse Arts (PHA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression, housed in the historic Brooklyn Rapid Transit Power Station in Gowanus, Brooklyn, New York. The organization opened in 2023 after the comprehensive restoration and reimagination of the 117-year-old landmark building by Herzog & de Meuron in collaboration with PBDW Architects.

Located on Lenape land along the Gowanus Canal, the 170,000-square-foot facility transforms a derelict industrial structure into a contemporary arts center that meets the multidisciplinary needs of the modern arts ecosystem. The building maintains the industrial legacy of the site while serving artists, fabricators, and the community.

## Facility & Architecture

- **Location**: 322 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Gowanus neighborhood)
- **Size**: 170,000 square feet
- **Historic Structure**: Brooklyn Rapid Transit Power Station, originally built in 1904 by Thomas Edward Murray to power Brooklyn's expanding transit system
- **History**: Decommissioned in the 1950s, became known locally as "the Batcave" due to graffiti artists using the space
- **Architecture**: Restoration and new construction by Herzog & de Meuron with PBDW Architects
- **Opened**: 2023
- **Landmark Status**: Landmarked historic building

The project preserves the original Turbine Hall and reimagines the demolished Boiler House, strengthening the building's industrial character and relationship to the urban context.

## Core Programs & Facilities

### Fabrication Studios
Powerhouse Arts hosts an extended network of art and fabrication professionals with workshop spaces for:
- Ceramics
- Large metals
- Printmaking
- Public art
- Textiles
- Woodworking

### Performance & Exhibition Spaces
- Grand Hall (multi-use performance venue)
- Small Hall
- Exhibition galleries
- Third floor performance space
- Flexible workshop configurations

### Key Programs
- **Fabrication Services**: Professional fabrication facilities available to artists, including subsidized services for NYC-based artists facing financial barriers
- **Performance Programming**: Powerhouse: International festival and ongoing performance series led by Artistic Director David Binder
- **Exhibition Programming**: Visual art installations and rotating exhibitions
- **Tours**: Scheduled tour programming offering access to fabrication shops and building
- **Venue Rental**: Mission-aligned rental program supporting creative expression
- **Education**: Teaching and learning spaces, workshops, and community programs
- **Community Programs**: Free drop-in workshops, Crafternoons family programming, and public engagement initiatives

## Mission & Values

Powerhouse Arts invites mission- and values-aligned artists and organizations to partner in activating the building. The organization fosters creative expression by providing artists with space, time, and resources to realize their artistic visions. Programs emphasize:
- Supporting artists at all career stages
- Maintaining manufacturing presence in historically industrial Brooklyn
- Co-creating and sharing artistic practices
- Community engagement and cultural exchange
- Accessibility and inclusivity

## Access & Visitor Information

- **Lobby Access**: Open to visitors during open hours
- **Facility Access**: Working fabrication facility and venue space; rest of building open by invitation or through scheduled tours
- **Accessibility Features**: Sidewalk-level entrances along 3rd Avenue, quiet room available, sensory kits at front desk, seating with back support throughout space
- **Parking**: No onsite parking; accessible by public transit
- **Phone**: (718) 522-1400
- **Email**: hello@powerhousearts.org (general inquiries), accessibility@powerhousearts.org (accessibility questions)

## Leadership & Organization

- **President**: Eric Shiner
- **Artistic Director**: David Binder (performance programming)
- **Board Chair**: Laura Hanna
- **Partners**: Collaborations with Goodman Gallery, Hauser & Wirth, The Alpha Workshops, and mission-aligned artists and organizations

## Notable Collaborations & Projects

Recent and ongoing collaborations include work with artists such as William Kentridge, Amy Sherald, Hofesh Shechter, Carolina Bianchi Y Cara de Cavalo, Kate McIntosh, Nancy Lorenz, Michael Namingha, and others. The printmaking studio has produced editions in collaboration with galleries including Hauser & Wirth.

## Site Context

The facility is situated along the Gowanus Canal between the neighborhoods of Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, and Park Slope. The Gowanus Canal was designated a Superfund site in 2010; site contamination was resolved through the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program prior to construction.

## Contact

- **Website**: https://powerhousearts.org
- **Address**: 322 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- **Phone**: (718) 522-1400
- **Email**: info@powerhousearts.org
- **Social Media**: @powerhouse_arts on Instagram

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*Powerhouse Arts is a not-for-profit organization. Donations empower creative expression through operations and support for artists, professionals, and educators.*