West Chelsea Building Artists Association



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Save the West Chelsea Building Preserve the Artists & Art

Join us in protecting the West Chelsea Building. Together, we can safeguard its legacy and preserve its future for the artists of today and tomorrow.
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2025 New York Post Press Published June 19, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Scotto Mycklebust Founder, West Chelsea Building Artists Association 917-697-0844 \| scotto@scottomycklebust.com www.scottomycklebust.com WEST CHELSEA ARTISTS ANNOUNCE RALLY & PRESS CONFERENCE To Protect Affordable Studio Spaces at the Historic West Chelsea Building When: Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 4:00 PM Where: 508–534 West 26th Street, New York, NY New York, NY – June 12, 2025 – The West Chelsea Building Artists Association, alongside elected officials and supporters, will host a Rally and Press Conference on Tuesday, June 17 at 4:00 PM in front of the West Chelsea Building to demand protection for one of New York City’s last remaining large-scale artist studio buildings. The West Chelsea Building — located at 508–534 West 26th Street — has served as an affordable haven for nearly 200 working artists and galleries for over three decades. Now, the building has been listed for sale, putting this vital creative community at risk of displacement and cultural erasure. The artist tenants, united through the West Chelsea Building Artists Association (WCBAA), are calling on the estate and potential buyers to preserve the building’s use as an affordable artist studio space, in accordance with the legacy of arts patron Raymond and Gloria Naftali, who were instrumental in supporting the building’s artistic mission. Elected officials joining the rally include: NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher U.S. Congressman Jerry Nadler State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine Assembly Member Tony Simone Together with the tenants, they will publicly call for: A halt to any sale that disregards the long-standing artist tenant community The preservation of affordable studio space for working artists A transparent and inclusive process that honors the cultural legacy of the building and its founder “This building is not just brick and mortar — it is a living, breathing cultural hub,” said Scotto Mycklebust, artist and founder of WCBAA. “It is a pillar of New York’s creative identity, and we must ensure that future generations of artists are not priced out of their place in the city they helped define.” The rally aims to draw public attention and media support to protect the building from gentrification pressures that have displaced artists across the city. All members of the public, press, and arts community are encouraged to attend and stand in solidarity. About the West Chelsea Building Artists Association (WCBAA) Formed in 2025 by West Chelsea Artists, the WCBAA is a collective of tenants, artists, and cultural workers organizing to preserve the West Chelsea Building as an affordable and thriving arts hub. The association advocates for transparency, equity, and long-term protection of artist spaces in New York City’s rapidly changing urban landscape. West Chelsea Building Artist Association 526 West 26th Street, Suite 511 New York, NY 10001 info@ westchelseabuildingartistsassociation.org www.westchelseabuildingartistsassociation.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Febraury 26, 2025 West Chelsea Building Artists Association (WCBAA) Launches to Protect and Preserve Iconic New York Artists New York, NY — February 26, 2025 — The newly formed West Chelsea Building Artists Association (WCBAA) proudly announces its official launch, uniting artists and creatives from the historic West Chelsea Arts Building. This initiative is a response to the looming threat of gentrification and potential sale of the building, which could jeopardize its legacy as a vital epicenter of artistic innovation in New York City. For decades, the West Chelsea Arts Building has been a cornerstone of the city’s contemporary art scene, nurturing a vibrant community of artists, galleries, and cultural pioneers. WCBAA was established to safeguard this legacy, ensuring the building remains a sanctuary for artistic creation and expression. Our Purpose: The WCBAA is committed to protecting the building’s future as a dedicated space for artists. We aim to preserve the creative spirit that has made West Chelsea a global destination for contemporary art. Our Goals: • Preservation: Advocate for the protection of the building’s status as an art and cultural landmark. • Community Empowerment: Provide a unified voice for artists within the building to influence decisions affecting their workspaces. • Support & Collaboration: Foster a network of collaboration, offering resources, support, and opportunities for resident artists. • Cultural Advocacy: Promote the importance of maintaining affordable and accessible spaces for artists in New York City. The first WCBAA members’ meeting will be announced soon, where the election of the steering committee will take place. This pivotal meeting will set the foundation for future initiatives and actions to preserve this vital artistic community. Media Contact: Scotto Mycklebust, scotto@scottomycklebust.com, 917 697-0844 West Chelsea Building Artists Association (WCBAA) 526 West 26th Street, Suite 511, New York, NY 10001 www.westchelseabuildingartistsassociation.org Media & Press Articles NY Times, January 31, 2025 HYPERALLEGIC, January 31, 2025 PAGE SIX, February 2, 2025 ARTFORUM, February 4, 2025 ARTNET, February 21, 2025
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