In the heart of Times Square, over 200 artists, board members, and supporters gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ChaShaMa, the pioneering arts organization founded by Anita Durst. The event served as a vibrant reunion, honoring three decades of providing affordable creative space for artists across New York City. Attendees included artists who benefited from ChaShaMa’s programs and patrons and advocates who championed the organization’s mission.
Since its founding in 1995, ChaShaMa has played a vital role in New York City’s arts ecosystem, transforming underutilized spaces into thriving studios, galleries, and performance venues. The organization has provided thousands of artists with free or low-cost studio and exhibition space, ensuring creativity continues flourishing despite the city’s ever-rising real estate costs. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Durst reflected on the organization’s journey and its impact on the arts community. “ChaShaMa has always been about ensuring artists have the space to create and share their work,” she said. “This community is a testament to that vision.”
Throughout the evening, guests experienced a rich array of artistic expressions, including dynamic performances, site-specific installations, and interactive projections that celebrated the diverse contributions of ChaShaMa artists over the years. A retrospective video highlighted the organization’s legacy, featuring testimonials from artists whose careers were shaped by its support. From emerging talent to established names, ChaShaMa’s influence was evident in the stories of those present.
Among the distinguished guests were ChaShaMa’s dedicated several board members, who have played an instrumental role in sustaining and expanding the organization’s mission. Their leadership and support have helped ChaShaMa secure spaces, fund artist grants, and create opportunities for creative expression in communities throughout New York. The board members include Anita 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.
Anita Durst, a passionate advocate for the arts, has long been committed to fostering a creative environment where artists can thrive. Her vision has driven ChaShaMa’s growth, ensuring it remains a vital resource for the artistic community. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach beyond New York City, exploring new opportunities to support artists in additional locations.
As the celebration continued, one thing became clear—ChaShaMa’s impact is enduring, and its future is bright. With a steadfast commitment to its mission and the unwavering support of its community, ChaShaMa is poised to continue empowering artists for generations to come.
To learn more, visit ChaShaMa.org.
ChaShaMa merchandise
Anita Durst speaks at the 30th reunion
CALICHO AREVALO for ChaShaMa 2024
ChaShaMa Art Studios
Joules Magus, Gad Lee
