JACK is a multidisciplinary performance meets civic space serving central Brooklyn. JACK’s mission is to fuel experiments in art and activism, collaborating with adventurous artists and our neighbors to bring about a more just and vibrant society.

JACK was founded in 2012 with the aim of creating a space for performance that serves as a connection point for multiple communities—a space where individuals from different backgrounds come together, create art, and speak their truth. JACK’s goal is to ensure that their  audience within (and beyond) their neighborhood are able to engage with the arts, overcoming barriers related to cost and physical access. JACK's original co-founders include Alec Duffy, Mimi Lien, Steven Leffue, Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr., Nikaury Rodriguez, Prentice Onayemi, Ike Ufomadu, Amy Laird Webb, Jennifer Kidwell and Andreea Mincic. Currently led by Jenni Bowman through May 2025, JACK is dedicated to two three primary callings: The first is to support early career artists by providing space where they can develop their artistic voice, expand their audience, and secure future opportunities all with full autonomy over their work; The second is to facilitate gatherings, forums, and town halls creating space for dialogue and connection amongst their neighbors. And the third is centering voices that have been systemically excluded from experimental performing art spaces in NYC, particularly BIPOC artists. JACK’s aim is to move people to think and feel differently. The programming at JACK is not “safe”—it is not designed for comfort, but rather to challenge their community with work that is intentional, urgent, and adventurous. This practice of civic engagement through performance and conversation helps to ensure their vision of a true community art space, one that moves towards a more equitable and liberated future.

Jerome Foundation supports JACK LABS and JACK Residencies programs. JACK Labs is a new play development series designed to support artists in developing new plays past the “workshop phase” but without the pressure of a multi-week run. JACK Lab artists receive a one-week residency at least one month before presenting a week-long run of their play. They receive additional tech/rehearsal time in the space prior to performance, as well as bolstered financial support, production support, press and marketing support, artistic feedback, connections to industry professionals, and a dedicated box office associate for performances. Artists participating in the JACK residency program receive 24/7 access to the space for two weeks, an artist fee, a technical orientation, and as needed support from JACK’s team as well as artistic feedback. This residency is intended to support artists with time and space to develop their work without the pressure of presentation. Artists are given the opportunity and support to present a work-in-progress performance at the end of their residency if they so choose.