ADAA Cancels Art Show, Ending 36-Year Partnership with Henry Street Settlement
For over three decades, the Art Dealers Association of America’s (ADAA) annual Art Show in New York City has been a significant source of funding for the Henry Street Settlement, a Lower Manhattan social services nonprofit. However, the ADAA recently announced the cancellation of this year’s fair and the discontinuation of their partnership with Henry Street, leaving the nonprofit in a financial crisis.
The Henry Street Settlement, known for its wide-ranging programs in education, employment, housing, healthcare, and the arts, has relied on the Art Show for vital revenue, raising over $38 million since 1988. With the sudden loss of this funding stream, the nonprofit is now facing the challenge of making up for the canceled event’s revenue and the projected future income from the Art Show’s gala preview and ticket sales.
David Garza, CEO of the Henry Street Settlement, expressed surprise at the ADAA’s decision, emphasizing the immediate need to raise funds to offset the financial impact of the canceled fair. The nonprofit has launched a fundraising campaign to bridge the $1 million funding gap and maintain its essential services and programs.
Impact on Longtime Partners
While the ADAA cited a need to refine its strategies to better support the arts community, the decision to end the Art Show and partnership with Henry Street has reverberated throughout the art world. Longtime partners of the fair, including galleries and supporters, have expressed disappointment at the loss of this historic event.
One ADAA gallerist, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the changing landscape of the art world with an abundance of fairs but praised the organization’s decision to reassess in light of these shifts. The end of the Art Show marks a significant loss for the art community and its longstanding connection to Henry Street and the 69th Regiment Armory.
Looking to the Future
As the ADAA navigates changes in its membership and fair participation, the focus remains on supporting a national arts infrastructure that adapts to current realities. While the Art Show’s cancellation was not driven by market forces, exhibitor contraction, or sales, it signals a broader shift in the art world landscape.
Meanwhile, Henry Street Settlement has launched the Open Doors Initiative to continue its fundraising efforts and engage with supporters. The nonprofit remains hopeful that it can maintain its connections with the art world, artists, and stakeholders who have historically supported its mission.
In the face of uncertainty, the Henry Street Settlement is determined to overcome the financial challenges posed by the cancellation of the Art Show and forge ahead in its mission to serve the community and provide essential social services and cultural programs.
