In a vibrant celebration at the heart of Times Square, over 200 artists, board members, and supporters gathered to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ChaShaMa, an innovative arts organization founded by Anita Durst. The milestone event highlighted three decades of ChaShaMa’s commitment to providing affordable creative spaces for artists throughout New York City.
Since its inception in 1995, ChaShaMa has been a cornerstone of the city’s arts community, transforming underutilized spaces into thriving studios, galleries, and performance venues. The organization has offered thousands of artists access to free or low-cost studio and exhibition space, ensuring that creativity flourishes despite increasing real estate pressures in the city.
During the celebration, Anita Durst took the stage to reflect on the organization’s impactful journey. “ChaShaMa has always been about ensuring artists have the space to create and share their work,” she remarked. Her passion for fostering an artistic environment was evident as she addressed the enthusiastic crowd.
The evening was filled with a diverse array of artistic expressions, including dynamic performances, site-specific installations, and interactive projections that celebrated the contributions of ChaShaMa artists over the years. A retrospective video showcased the organization’s legacy, featuring testimonials from artists whose careers have thrived thanks to ChaShaMa’s support.
Notable attendees included several dedicated board members, instrumental in sustaining and expanding the organization’s mission. Their leadership has been crucial in securing spaces, funding artist grants, and creating opportunities for artistic expression throughout communities in New York City. The distinguished board members present included Durst, Bill Abramson, Marc Dale, Michael Hirschhorn, Aaron Fernandez, Leah Lane, Amber Lasciak, Lydia Mak, Bridget Murphy, Richard P. Rubinstein, Cindy Scholz, Cynthia Wang, Roger Wu, Laura O’Reilly, Jennifer Busch, Michelle Rose Joseph, and Amanda Marcus.
As the celebration unfolded, it was clear that ChaShaMa’s impact on the arts community is profound and enduring. With a steadfast commitment to empowering artists and the unwavering support of its community, ChaShaMa is poised to continue its mission for generations to come.
For more information about ChaShaMa and its programs, visit ChaShaMa.org.
