Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an additional $600,000 in state funding to help wild project, a nonprofit arts organization and performance venue, purchase its longtime home at 195 East 3rd Street in Manhattan’s East Village. This brings the total state support for the acquisition to $1.2 million.
The funding is intended to secure long-term stability for wild project, which has operated an 89-seat theater at this location since 2007. The venue provides affordable space for emerging artists, including those from LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and local communities.
“New York’s creative spirit depends on the spaces where artists gather, experiment, and share their work,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud that the State could help wild project secure its permanent home in the East Village — a place that has nurtured countless artists and supported a vibrant, diverse cultural community. When we invest in organizations like wild project, we strengthen our creative economy and preserve the cultural spaces that make New York truly unique.”
The investment consists of $1.1 million administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and a $100,000 capital grant from Empire State Development recommended by the New York City Regional Economic Development Council (NYCREDC).
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez stated: “DASNY is proud to administer this State investment that preserves one of New York City’s most dynamic and inclusive cultural spaces. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s support, wild project now has the long-term stability it needs to continue uplifting independent artists, fostering community engagement, and contributing to the creative fabric of the East Village.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight added: “Securing a permanent home for wild project ensures that one of New York’s most innovative and inclusive arts organizations can continue to uplift emerging voices and strengthen the East Village’s creative ecosystem. This investment reflects New York’s commitment to preserving affordable cultural spaces that drive neighborhood vibrancy, support local talent, and contribute to the city’s broader economic vitality.”
NYCREDC Co-Chairs FĂ©lix V. Matos RodrĂguez (City University of New York Chancellor) and William D. Rahm (CEO of Everview Partners) commented: “Creative spaces like wild project do more than support artists — they fuel neighborhood vitality, attract visitors, and contribute to a strong, inclusive local economy. The NYCREDC is proud to support this project, which will keep the East Village a welcoming home for independent arts and preserve the kind of community assets that make New York City thrive.”
wild project Producing Artistic Director Ana Mari de Quesada and Producing Director Tom Escovar said: “After a long and often difficult journey, we are overjoyed to have secured wild project’s future with the purchase of our cherished home on East 3rd Street. This milestone reflects years of determination and the collective strength of our artists, supporters, and community. We’re proud to preserve this creative space for future generations of New York’s cultural innovators.”
Former Representative Carolyn Maloney noted: “I am deeply proud to have granted $1 million in federal funding to enable the purchase of a permanent home for the wild project community building at 195 East 3rd Street. This investment will allow artists and organizations to continue their important work, creating opportunities for future generations and further enriching our artistic community.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “Arts and culture are the lifeblood and economic engine of New York City. Theater spaces like wild project let creativity thrive, and I am thrilled that they will soon be able to have a new, permanent building on East 3rd Street. I applaud Governor Hochul for her commitment to the arts community, and I look forward to seeing all that wild project will accomplish in their new home.”
Representative Dan Goldman remarked: “Wild Project has been a lifeline for independent, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and East Village artists for nearly two decades. I was proud to support their efforts to secure this permanent home, which ensures that their creative community will not just survive but will thrive for years to come. I applaud Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of protecting affordable cultural spaces in neighborhoods like ours where art and activism have always gone hand in hand. This investment preserves a cornerstone of the East Village’s identity and guarantees that the next generation of boundary-pushing New York artists has a true home.”
State Senator Brian Kavanagh said: “As one of the earliest supporters of this project I am proud to have secured an initial grant of $500,000 in the first stage of this capital campaign,and I am thrilled that we are able today announce a full package financial support enable wild project secure building as its permanent home.For years,wildproject provided inclusive space artists backgrounds create collaborate inspire – key part efforts preserve enhance creative artistic spaces across City.With purchase,I’m confident spirit mission continue flourish generations come.”
Assemblymember Harvey Epstein said: “wild project has been part our community artistic center long time.I’m proud support uplifting diverse group independent local advancing equity sustainability congratulate securing permanent neighborhood.”
Assemblymember Grace Lee commented: “wildproject plays essential role nurturing next generation NYC artists,new permanent means work thrive .Thanks investment Governor,wildproject continue uplifting generations come .”
Plot Real Estate Advisory Founder Paul Leibowitz stated:“It wonderful advise purchase thriving deserves become reality .”
IndieSpace Executive Director Randi Berry said:“We thrilled secured funds indie venues precious resources consistently risk rising costs lack affordability .”
NYC Create Place Department Cultural Affairs Senior Policy Advisor Anne del Castillo added:“Securing ensures dedicated emerging voices,LGBTQIA+ women,BIPOC remain part fabric years come .”
East Village Community Coalition Executive Director Laura Sewell remarked:“celebrates long-awaited purchase anchor block strengthening creating opportunities .”
Since opening in 2007,wildproject has welcomed over 55 ,000 patrons,supported more than12 ,000 provided LGBTQIA+BIPOC creators local eco-friendly ADA-compliant features solar panels rooftop garden high-efficiency systems sustainable materials remains few led woman color .
