Abrons Arts Center builds a community where artists, learners, and audiences explore creative possibilities. Rooted in the immigrant and working-class history of their Lower East Side neighborhood, Abrons offers free and affordable exhibitions, performances, classes, residencies, and space access. Abrons Arts Center is a core program of Henry Street Settlement, whose mission is to open doors of opportunity to enrich lives and enhance human progress for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social services, arts, and health care programs. 

Abrons is a home for experimental artists to develop and showcase new work and for the larger community to celebrate the vibrant culture of the LES. Abrons’ programs include a celebrated performance and exhibition season; AIRspace artist residency programs that provides resources for artists to develop new work; and robust arts education programs, including free offerings for NYCHA public housing residents, public school-based classes, and embedded workshops for Henry Street’s social service clients.

Jerome Foundation supports Henry Street Settlement/Abrons Arts Center’s Performance AIRspace Residency program. Abrons Arts Center’s Performance AIRspace Residency supports two early-career performing artists for an 18-month residency that includes a premiere of a new work of live performance in the second year. Performance AIRspace residents are provided with a commission fee, production budget, marketing and publicity support, archival photo and video documentation, and premium access to studios for rehearsals. The Performance AIRspace Residency is led by Ali Rosa-Salas, Producing Director Harry Poster, and Associate Producer Mary-Elizabeth Esquibel.