West Chelsea Building glowing with light at dusk

Save the West Chelsea Building

A cultural landmark. A creative community. A future worth protecting.

Help the West Chelsea Building Artists Association raise $170 million to purchase the West Chelsea Building under nonprofit ownership and secure permanent, affordable studios for generations of artists.

Support the Campaign WCBAA Founders Gala

Interior of an artist studio in West Chelsea

Why This Matters

For over forty years, the West Chelsea Building has been a sanctuary for artists, galleries, and innovators whose work defines the global contemporary art world. Now, this irreplaceable cultural hub is threatened by sale and redevelopment.

If we lose the building, we lose a creative community that helped shape the identity of West Chelsea — and New York City itself.

Home to more than 200 working artists and creative professionals
A cornerstone of the West Chelsea arts district
One of NYC’s largest continuously active artists’ studio buildings
A site of tremendous cultural, economic, and historical value

Blueprint-style illustration of the West Chelsea Building

The $170 Million Capital Campaign

WCBAA aims to purchase the West Chelsea Building outright through a dedicated 501(c)(3) arts nonprofit. This is a rare, decisive moment. The action we take now will determine the future of the building — and the next century of creative life it supports.

Acquiring the building under nonprofit ownership will:

Protect affordable artist studios for the long term
Preserve a historic creative community in West Chelsea
Expand public access to exhibitions, education, and cultural programming
Establish a sustainable cultural anchor for New York City

Support the Campaign

WCBAA Founders Gala

An evening of art, performance, and purpose in support of the campaign to secure the West Chelsea Building for artists.

Live installations and performances by West Chelsea artists
Documentary preview on the history and future of the building
Special guest speakers from New York’s cultural community
Live and silent art auctions and exclusive patron recognition

Learn More About the Gala

Your Support Makes This Possible

Permanent Studios

Secure long-term, affordable workspaces so artists can remain in the community they helped build.

Creative Life

Support the daily work of painters, sculptors, performers, writers, and multidisciplinary artists.

Community

Preserve a vibrant hub where artists, neighbors, and visitors gather, collaborate, and connect.

Education

Create new opportunities for youth programs, workshops, and public engagement with contemporary art.

Stand With Us. Protect a Cultural Legacy.

This is the moment when visionary leadership can make the impossible possible. Your support — whether through a major gift, an annual pledge, or a ticket to the WCBAA Founders Gala — will help secure the building as a home for artists and a resource for New York City.

Explore Patron Levels Contact the Campaign

Abstract architectural artwork in amber and charcoal tones