PS1 Mission Statement

P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, an affiliate of The Museum of Modern Art, is one of the oldest and largest non-profit arts centers in the United States solely devoted to contemporary art. Recognized as a defining force of the alternative space movement, P.S.1 stands out from other major arts institutions through its cutting-edge approach to exhibitions and direct involvement of artists within a scholarly framework. P.S.1 acts as an intermediary between artist and audience.  Functioning as a living and active meeting place for the general public, P.S.1 is a catalyst for ideas, discourses and new trends in contemporary art.

P.S.1 was founded in 1971 by Alanna Heiss as The Institute for Art and Urban Resources Inc., and was primarily dedicated to the transformation of abandoned and underutilized buildings in New York City into exhibition, performance, and studio spaces for artists.  Today, P.S.1 operates two internationally acclaimed spaces for contemporary art: P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, the huge, hundred-room museum in Long Island City, and the legendary Clocktower Gallery in Lower Manhattan, which is perched on the 13th floor of an old city building, containing 6 production studios and houses the headquarters of Art Radio WPS1.org broadcasting.

P.S.1 is devoted to the production, presentation, interpretation and dissemination of the work of innovative artists in all media, fostering creativity and uninhibited artistic exploration. Its programs reflect the complex nature of international contemporary art, serve a broad and diverse audience, and stimulate discourse on the art of our time. P.S.1’s exhibitions, presentations, educational activities, and publications strive to be of the highest quality and to investigate the dynamic and provocative nature of contemporary art.  Its focus includes recognizing the work of emerging artists, placing disparate media into new and meaningful contexts, and defining alternative movements and endeavors.

P.S.1 seeks to be a vital cultural resource for New York City and to serve constituencies beyond New York with its traveling exhibitions, publications and representation by professional staff.  Overall, P.S.1 aims to provide an engaging environment for artists; to inform, inspire, and challenge its audiences; to actively attract new audiences; and to be an accessible resource that elevates the role of art in contemporary culture.