Statement from the A.R.T./New York Executive Committee
July 17, 2020

Closing our FY21 and Starting FY22 as a Changed Organization.

This July, for the first time, the team at A.R.T./New York is embarking on a staff retreat to reflect, revise, and identify processes and priorities to guide our decision-making in FY22.

In July 2020, the We Are A.R.T./New York Coalition published a letter detailing racial injustices taking place at our organization. The staff and board of directors pledged to our members and stakeholders to work together through a transparent and collaborative process to identify and tear out our roots in oppression. The subsequent leadership transition has been one critical piece of a larger, longer, and more holistic process. In its early stages, we have taken vital steps forward, and also necessary, strategic steps back. In constant collaboration with the, We Are A.R.T./New York Coalition (composed of current and former staff) and through the formation of Ethics and Accountability Committees at the Staff and Board levels, A.R.T./New York is examining our internal practices.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the safety of our members, office tenants, stakeholders and our staff in mind; and in compliance with New York City's vaccine mandate for all indoor activities, A.R.T./New York will now require confirmation of vaccination against COVID-19 at all of our locations; Spaces @520, South Oxford Space, and at the A.R.T./New York Theatre’s, effective September 1, 2021.

To that end, all eligible individuals (12 years of age and over) visiting our locations will be asked to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the time of their visit; with at least one shot from a vaccine considered effective by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and/or the World Health Organization (“WHO”). Proof of vaccination may be provided upon arrival or in advance by completing our secure A.R.T./New York Verification Form. Proof of vaccination includes your vaccination record card (paper or photo) or any digital vaccine card via an app (e.g. NY Excelsior Pass, CLEAR, NYC COVID SAFE, etc.), in addition to your photo ID.

Proof of vaccination will be required for all visitors,  including all rental participants active in our rented studios, theatres, any guests, caregivers, or audience members. Ineligible persons and those claiming a medical exemption will be required to provide exemption documentation and will also be required to wear a mask at all times. 

ABOUT A.R.T./NEW YORK

The following COVID-19 Vaccine Policy (the “Policy”) is subject to change at any time based on

changes in City, State, or Federal law; updates to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or World

Health Organization (WHO) guidelines; or changes in other A.R.T/New York policies. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are electing to continue with our existing mask mandate and vaccine requirements despite current changes to the Key2NYC program. We are working in concert with many of our members to keep these policies in place out of concern for the health and safety of all who would enter our spaces.

(October 18, 2021 - New York, NY) The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (A.R.T./New York) (Risa Shoup,Interim Executive Director) announced today two regrant opportunities for theatres in New York City (the New York City Small Theatres Fund and the Strengthening NYC Theatres Grant), as well as a regrant for theatres throughout New York State (the NYSCA-A.R.T./New York Creative Opportunity Fund). 

Combined, these grants are some of the only general operating support funding available to small theatres in New York City/New York State. NYSCA is very cognizant of the role that NYC-based theaters play in the local and national theater ecosystem and is focused on ensuring that upstate theaters are aware of and applying for the Creative Opportunity Fund. Their investment in this program is meant to create a statewide impact and ensure that all New York state residents have access to theater in their local community. 

Welcome & Intention Setting

Every individual is entitled to feel safe and supported in their community.  When you attend an A.R.T./New York event, you are a part of our community. A.R.T./New York works to ensure that every event is accessible, giving each attendee the ability to engage as much or as little as they wish.  It is our goal to foster a wholly inclusive environment in which each attendee feels taken care of. You are encouraged to honor your personal needs and exit any conversation, room, or venue as you wish and will be welcome upon your return at any time.

Initial Grant Recipients Include 55 New York City Theatres

(January 27, 2021 - New York, NY) The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (A.R.T./New York) (Risa Shoup, Interim Executive Director) announced today the creation of the Leon Levy Foundation COVID Relief Fund, initiated with a $250,000 grant to support small New York City theatres in conjunction with A.R.T./New York Relief Fund for NYC Small Theatres.

A.R.T./New York also announced 55 recipients of the first round of the A.R.T./New York Relief Fund for NYC Small Theatres.

A.R.T./NY Names Risa Shoup Interim Executive Director
August 6, 2020