Warehouse Arts District Association

We bought it, we built it (with your help) and now we want to program it! 

Phase II of the ArtsXchange is starting now to build an Arts Education Center. The Center will rehabilitate an existing warehouse at the ArtsXchange and contain........drumroll, please..........

A PROFESSIONAL DANCE STUDIO!!! This will be a springboard floor, ballet bars and mirrors. There will be three classrooms for all kinds of education serving both children to adults. We plan to add HEALTH to our mission as the studio can be used for yoga, Pilates and other types of movement. The addition of this expansive space will serve the community in a myriad of ways. 

Specifically, we are raising funds to:

1. Build the Arts Education Center - we are rehabilitating a 2,400 square foot warehouse which will contain a professional dance studio with springboard floors, ballet barres and mirrors and classrooms. This will be a multi-use space for both ART and MOVEMENT and HEALTH 

2. Site improvement: with an industrial site we have many challenges. We need to pave the parking lot; remove chain link fence and barbed wire; install security lighting; erect signage

3. Support programming and Second Saturday and keep it FREE and open to ALL. Support the rent controlled studios and galleries completed in Phase I and require ongoing maintenance.

In 2014, with the help of public and private donors, the Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) purchased 2.7 acres of land known as the ArtsXchange, with the goal of providing affordable, sustainable studios.  Roughly 16,000 square feet (out of 50,000 square feet so far) of interior warehouse space was converted into 29 art studios, a 1600 square foot gallery and 1,000 square feet of classroom space ready for educational programming. The studios are self-supported with stabilized rents at below market rate.  25 artists moved in October 2017.  

Our motto has always been: Where Art is Made. Now that the studios and gallery are open we have expanded our service to the community.  We are:

• Where Art is ACCESSIBLE: we are committed to providing free, accessible art and programming to everyone in the community. That’s why our Second Saturday programming (including world class musicians like Nate Najar) has been free and open to everyone.  
• Where Art is PRESERVED: our nonprofit 501(c)3 guarantees the 50,000 square feet of the ArtsXchange is protected from any development and insures our charitable mission will survive. 
• Where Art is TAUGHT: Education is a primary mission for the District. Art classes are taught to allow development for both professional and non- professional artists - these classes are free to members and a small cost to non-members.
• Where Art is READ: we recently hosted a national book launch of the children’s book PRIDE about the origination of the Rainbow flag. Author events celebrate the literary arts. We also host Keep St. Pete Lit events in the gallery and are the home office location for Your Real Stories, Inc.
• Where Art is MOVEMENT: on Second Saturday in April the Collective Dance Soles Studio performed in the gallery including a world premiere piece. This was in addition to an art show by the Studio Artists: Spring. Again, this event was FREE and open to all.  (photo credit: Khalid Hameed)
• Where Art is EATEN: in June Chef Ernesto Piloto will demonstrate how the culinary arts combine with the visual arts to create a one of a kind creative performance.
• Where Art is ENCOURAGEMENT: our first solo show was by student member Jake Troyli, a USF MFA student who recently won a Creative Pinellas Emerging Artist Award.
• Where Art is HEARD: at a recent social mixer our business member, St Petersburg Opera Company, delighted our members and guests with beautiful arias at Opera Central.
• Where Art is THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS: we have hosted thought provoking events such as BPW Unhappy Hour supporting Equal Pay for women.
• Where Art is GROWN: we are building a Member Lounge where are members can relax among art. Our artist members can display art and get feedback to help them grow.
• Where art is BUSINESS: over 200 businesses exist in the District. An upcoming business mixer will strengthen our ties to the community and each other. We have hosted numerous business events including the EDC meeting on arts and culture.

Look how far we’ve come with your help!  https://animoto.com/play/IeK20b8oXsoMr90oJE7pRQ