About

Project For Empty Space is a non-profit organization, co-founded and co-curated by Meenakshi Thirukode and Jasmine Wahi that is dedicated to bringing Contemporary art to a multitude of communities through the utilization of abandoned and unusual urban spaces. The initiative was launched in September 2010 in Manhattan’s Lower East Side at an abandoned lot on Stanton Street.

The project was born out of the need to bring contemporary art out of traditionally ‘high-brow’ neighborhoods to the people of New York. In the wake of economic flummox the art world has taken a financial hit Meenakshi and Jasmine took advantage of the downturn in investment and speculative buying to bring really good art back to New York- literally, back down to ground level.

In September of 2010, PES was launched with local New York artist Tehniyet Masood who created a site-specific art installation made out of organic and recycled materials. Masood created a large building-like structure in an outdoor space using found/reclaimed materials from all over New York. The purpose of the project was two fold- to challenge the artist to create work that is inspired by the environment and neighborhood around her and to also foster community interest in the project. The response and feedback from the local community was tremendous and it influenced the creation of the work to a large extent. Additionally, the audiences was able to watch the progression of the space go from empty to art-filled which we hope inspired a broader appreciation of contemporary art.

Since then PES has grown and expanded it’s programming to a diverse array of spaces around the world. The co-founders and curators have made a vested effort to not only present new and exciting art work, but also to foster long-term relationships with local communities through educational programming, events, and workshops for all ages and backgrounds.

Project For Empty Space is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the purpose of Project For Empty Space are made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Please visit our Donations page for more details.