NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Performance Space 122 is a not-for-profit arts center in New York City, serving the dance and performance community. Over the past 30 years what was once an abandoned school has become a presenter of experimental and alternative performance and a home to countless emerging artists.

Located on the corner of First Avenue and 9th Street, the former Public School 122 was abandoned and in disrepair when a group of visual artists began to use the old classrooms for studios. In 1979, choreographer Charles Moulton began holding rehearsals and workshops in the second floor cafeteria, and invited fellow performers Charles Dennis, Tim Miller and Peter Rose to collaborate in the administration and use of the space.

PS122 began its presentation history in 1980 with the first Avant-Garde-Arama, a multidisciplinary showcase and published its first complete calendar of performances, classes, workshops and more.

A professional staff person was hired in 1983 to curate and focus the overall programming, expanding it from a rental house into a year round presenting facility. That person was Mark Russell who went on to become P.S. 122's first artistic director, until his departure in 2004.

PS122 doubled its programming in 1986 when it converted the old "gym" on the first floor of the old school building into a performance space to be used for extended runs of small theatre groups and as a site for community meetings.

PS122 now boasts two theatres with presentation programs of dance, performance, music, film, and video, professional technical and administrative staffs, a national touring program, an active commission program, low-cost rehearsal space and more. Its name is synonymous with ground-breaking, adventurous performance and a roster of artists that can mark the beginning of their careers from their performances here is impressive.

The Performance Space 122 building is currently undergoing a renovation. During this time, shows and performances will be held off-site at theaters and unconventional event spaces throughout New York City.

• Disability Access: Limited access: 1st floor accessible, 2nd floor by prior arrangement only; call for information
• Space Rental

Get involved with Performance Space 122

• Donations through NYCharities.org
• Donations through Performance Space 122's Web site: Friends who donate become Friends with Benefits -- Becoming a Friend is the best way to experience all that PS122 has to offer. Learn more about our giving levels by visiting our website or by contacting friends@ps122.org
• Volunteer Opportunities: To learn more about interning or volunteering for Performance Space 122 please email marketing@ps122.org
• Subscriptions: The PS122 Passport is 5 tickets for $55 valid until June 30, 2011. Tickets may be used in any combination to spring performances.