Arts organization plans move to Tri-Main
By: Tracey Drury, Buffalo Business First
Dec 11, 2018, 6:05am EST Updated: Dec 11, 2018, 2:08pm EST
Citing new leadership and increased partnerships, the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York is moving to new, larger offices at the Tri-Main Center in the new year.
The nonprofit, which provides services to local arts organizations, will lease 2,100 square feet on the fourth floor of the Main Street building, doubling its current space on Perry Street where it subleases from Empire State Development.
In the new space, ASI joins more than 100 tenants that range from architects and engineers and data processing firms to artists, nonprofits and schools. That diversity, and the convergence of business and culture, are what attracted ASI to the building, said Jen Swan, executive director.
It also aligns with ASI’s strategic plan to increase both exposure and partnerships with businesses, while communicating its services to existing and new artists and arts groups, she said.
“That’s really beneficial to us to help promote our services and connect more with the arts and business community,” she said. “Being present and being in that community atmosphere is what we’ve been trying to focus on with a lot of our programs.”
The move comes a year after Swan was named interim director at ASI, a position that became permanent in September.
Though it will still hold trainings and presentations at other arts venues, the organization also expects to host events and workshops within the new space.
Founded in 2011, ASI works with cultural organizations on capacity building and economic development, providing advocacy and opportunities for collaboration. With an operating budget of about $550,000, the agency focuses its efforts on Erie and Niagara counties, but is a secondary provider to the Tri-County Arts Council in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Allegany counties.
The move will take place over New Year’s week, with the office opening in the second week of January, Swan said. Email and website will remain the same, though watch for a new phone number.
