At 70 East 4th Street, we are
Presenting and hosting cultural programs & community gatherings
Providing affordable space for artists, cultural workers, and community projects
All our programs are built around our core values: equity, diversity, and civic engagement.
Proposals for use of our theater and/or studio
We welcome proposals for cultural and community projects which clearly engage our core values. We support projects which advance social change.
We welcome proposals which foster dialogue around issues such as racism, nationalism, climate change, immigration reform, income inequality, civil and voting rights, and other pressing issues.
We encourage creative approaches to partnering with diverse communities, particularly collaborations with individuals who are not professional artists.
We prioritize projects led by people of color.
All accepted projects will be offered affordable rates. (We define ‘affordable’ in comparison with other theater rentals that are comparable in size, location, and amenities.) Some projects will be offered additional subsidy because of how they creatively address our core values.
How to make a proposal
- Read through this general information page.
- Consider how your project is a match with our priorities as identified above.
- Visit or tour the space if you haven’t seen it (contact Ryan – ryan@downtownart.org)
- If you have a limited time window in which your project needs to take place, email Ryan to check if those dates are open.
- Submit a proposal through our Request for Proposals (RFP.)
What to expect after you submit a proposal
You may be contacted by email with additional questions. You will receive a full response within two weeks of submitting your proposal.
Our space
Downtown Art is located at 70 East 4th Street between Second Avenue and Bowery. We have four spaces available for use – our theater, lobby/meeting area, rehearsal studio, and rear yard.
Theater: 55×22 black box theater / new lighting system (48 dimmers, 70 instruments, ETC Ion board) / full 24 channel sound system / video projector, cyc and other soft goods / moveable seating platforms / max. occupancy 74
Lobby: 12×20 space plus 8×16 extension / Large table, suitable for meetings for up to 12 people.
Second floor rehearsal studio: Large (85×22) loft with rehearsal area (55×22), meeting table, small lounge. No air conditioning. Masonite over wood floor, 12’ ceilings, good natural light, sound system. No public performances. Not available during public performances in the theater – when it serves as a dressing room / green room for the performers.
Rear yard at 19 East 3rd Street: 85×22 graveled lot, clean walkway, outdoor lighting, access to 3rd street. Available portable stage. Accessible to first floor theater. Limitations on noise. Cannot be programmed simultaneous to public events in first floor theater. No programs after 10pm.
General: Elevator to all floors, 2 restrooms (one accessible) in lobby.
Cost Range/Sliding Scale: Actual fee depends on match with our mission, complexity of project
THEATER – PUBLIC PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS
One week theatrical run (Monday-Sunday): $1800 – 2100
Weekend run (Thurs-Sat or Fri-Sunday): $1000 – $1300
Single evening (Sunday-Wednesday, 6pm-11:30pm): $200-$350
Workshops / Classes before 6pm weekdays: $20-35/hour
STUDIO
Hourly rates for rehearsal & convenings ranges $10-$27
(Choreographers/dancers should apply through DanceBlock at FABnyc for weekday hours)
Physical Limitations / Sharing Space
All physical set ups and set designs will need advance approval. In general, we are most in favor of proposals which do not create physical barriers to others using the space during a project’s off hours.
Ticketing
We are committed to being accessible to a very diverse audience — which affects our policies around ticket pricing. In general, we do not support productions with ticket prices higher than $25.
Insurance
Projects renting for one week or more will need to provide their own general liability policy, with ‘Downtown Art’ and ‘70 East 4th Street Cultural Center’ named as additional insured. (One source of event insurance is Fractured Atlas.)
Please email Ryan (ryan@downtownart.org) with questions!