Hidden Gems of the New York Arts World

On this week’s show we will take an in depth look at arts organizations, specifically at smaller arts organizations that are part of a backbone of art in New York but that many people don’t know about. My guests will be Craig Peterson, Executive Artistic Director of the Abrons Arts Center at the Henry Street Settlement, https://www.abronsartscenter.org/about/; and Brian Rogers, Artistic Director of The Chocolate Factory Theater, https://chocolatefactorytheater.org/.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

SHOW NOTES

SEGMENT 1

Tonight’s show will be on New York’s art organizations. The guests are Craig Peterson and Brian Rogers. Craig Peterson is the Executive Director Artistic Director of the Abrons Arts Center. Growing up he was always interested in art and dance. He eventually moved to New York to be an artist. Craig admits his adjustment to the artistic director position was slow but he kept working at it. In 2014, he became a program director before moving to Abrons. They provide an art source for so many people. 

SEGMENT 2

At Abrons, they provide multiple disciplinary education programs. They present art mainly across theater, art and dance. Scott is asked if there are any challenges that small art organizations may face. Being a smaller organization could possibly effect certain things but Scott confirms that there are not many differences between what larger organizations face. Theyjust want to reach as many people through art as they can. A large number of people come in from outside of the neighborhood. The art center is internationally recognized and they support international artists. 

SEGMENT 3

The second guest is Brian Rogers who is a director and filmmaker. He was born in Los Angeles but mainly grew up in Idaho. He went to art school in Vermont then had his mind set on going to New York because that was where the action was. He later helped create The Chocolate Factory Theater and is now the Artistic Director. The venue is named the way it is because it used to be a chocolate factory. In 2004 the organization started but money was tight. Brian admits it took a while for it to get better but was glad it did. Furthermore, unlike other organizations, the Chocolate Factory Theater is run by the artists which is good for the culture of the organization. 

SEGMENT 4

The Chocolate Factory Theater is best known as an experimental art company. They host a variety of theater, dance and music performances. Brian also does fundraising for the theater. He admits that it is very challenging for small organizations to make money because they rely heavily on donations and grants. The generosity of others is very important to them. Brian states that ticket sales make up less than five percent of their income. The give and take relationship between the city and organization is what keeps them going.