Abrons Arts Center is a home for contemporary interdisciplinary arts in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Abrons is situated within the Henry Street Settlement which was founded in 1893 to open doors of opportunity for Lower East Side (LES) residents and other New Yorkers through social services, arts, and health care programs. Abrons believes that access to the arts is essential for a thriving city. Through performances, exhibitions, education programs, and residencies, Abrons mobilizes communities with the transformative power of art.

Abrons Arts Center is a core program of the Henry Street Settlement, which hosted art classes as early as 1910 with founder Lillian Wald envisioning access to the arts as essential to a balanced and fulfilled life. Today Abrons Art Center—the Arts Division of Henry Street—is led by Ali Rosa-Salas, Vice President of Visual and Performing Arts. Abrons mobilizes communities with the transformative power of art and acts as a home for contemporary interdisciplinary artists on the LES. 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 an exhibition season; AIRspace residency program 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. Abrons is uniquely able to act as both a cutting-edge experimental venue and a welcoming artistic home for its neighbors.

Jerome Foundation supports Henry Street Settlement/Abrons Arts Center’s Performance AIRspace Residency program. Abrons Arts Center’s Performance AIRspace Residency supports a cohort of 2 early career New York City-based performing artists for a project development residency over the course of 12 months, and production period the following year. Performance AIRspace residents are provided with a commission fee, marketing and publicity support, archival photo and video documentation, opportunities to build relationships and connect with colleagues, and premium access to studios and theaters for rehearsals towards the development of a live performance to be presented at Abrons Arts Center. The Performance AIRspace Residency is led by Ali Rosa-Salas, Producing Director Harry Poster, and Associate Producer Mary-Elizabeth Esquibel.