Creative Time presents the most innovative art in the public realm. From our base in New York, we work with artists who ignite the imagination and explore ideas that shape society. We initiate a dynamic conversation among artists, sites, and audiences, in projects that enliven public spaces with free and powerful expression.

Creative Time's pioneering spirit, embrace of artistic innovation, and commitment to New York City has earned the organization the reputation as the vanguard and veteran public arts presenter. From its artists and partners to the extraordinary spaces it animates with public art, Creative Time reflects the eclectic and vibrant spirit that is New York City.

History:
Creative Time was founded in 1973. Its history of commissioning, producing, and presenting adventurous public artworks of all disciplines began in the midst of a significant period. Artists were experimenting with new forms and media. Their work moved out of galleries and museums and into the public realm. At the same time, New York's citizens responded to the City's deterioration, which was prompted by the fiscal crisis, with the City Beautification movement. Also recognizing the significance of art in society, the federal government established the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to herald the role of artists and introduce uninitiated audiences to contemporary art. Creative Time derives its values from this historic impetus to foster artistic experimentation, enrich public space and the everyday experience, and forefront artists as key contributors to democratic society.

Creative Time's earliest programs invigorated vacant storefronts as well as neglected landmarks like the U.S. Customs House in Lower Manhattan. After gaining early renown for Art on the Beach (1978-1985), which fostered collaborations between visual artists, architects, and performing artists at the Battery Park City Landfill, Creative Time soon spread its programs throughout New York City. Presenting projects on billboards, landmark buildings, buses deli cups, ATM machines, and the Internet, among numerous other venues, Creative Time encouraged artists to address timely issues such as the AIDS pandemic, domestic violence, and racial inequality. More recently, Art in the Anchorage (1983-2001) drew thousands to the majestic chambers of the Brooklyn Bridge Anchorage, which housed annual exhibitions of emerging creative practices in art, music, theater, and fashion until its closure in 2001 due to national security.

Today, Creative Time provides hundreds of emerging and established artists with unparalleled opportunities to create ambitious new works that expand their practices and foster career growth. Each year, Creative Time also offers millions of people rare encounters with contemporary art beyond racial, economic, and age factors, thereby enlivening the everyday experience of New York City. While Creative Time delights New Yorkers with skywriting over Manhattan and colorful sculptures in Grand Central Station, it also inspires with projects like Tribute in Light, the twin beacons that rose from Lower Manhattan. Creative Time's alumni community continues to grow as the world's leading artists join the roster next to Vito Acconci, Diller + Scofidio, David Byrne, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Red Grooms, Jenny Holzer, Takashi Murakami, Shirin Neshat, Sonic Youth, and Elizabeth Streb, among thousands more. Lastly, Creative Time remains committed to promoting collaboration within the creative community, frequently partnering with institutions like the Dia Art Foundation, The Kitchen, Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MTA Arts for Transit, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Contact person: Cynthia Pringle, Manager, Executive Office And Operations, (212) 206-6674 x270, (email)
Office fax number: (212) 255-8467

Address:

59 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003 (See a map)

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 2nd Avenue F, V,   Walk distance (in minutes): 3