Mission Statement
Albany Barn, Inc is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to creating a permanent, sustainable creative arts incubator and neighborhood art space in Albany, New York. With Stage 1 and The Barn/Academy Lofts, we will anchor the North Swan Street corridor with a built-in creative economy; nurture meaningful, productive relationshipsbetween artists, arts groups, local businesses and neighborhood residents, particularly at-risk City youth; foster community involvement and pride; and catalyze revitalization.
Description
Albany Barn, Inc is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to creating a permanent, sustainable creative arts incubator and neighborhood art space in Albany, New York.
Five years ago, stakeholders in the imperiled inner city neighborhood of Arbor Hill, developed a revitalization strategy called the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan. It was heralded as a breakthrough in collaborative community planning and continues to enjoy broad support during its implementation. As part of that Plan, it was recommended that one of the top priorities be the adaptive reuse of the abandoned St. Joseph¹s Academy building, located in the heart of the neighborhood.
Albany Barn has partnered with the City of Albany and Albany Housing Authority to redevelop St. Joseph's. The project is formally called Academy Lofts, although it is better known locally as The Barn. This name originates from the age-old practice of barn raising, when many rally on behalf of a fellow community member to build a structure vital to his or her livelihood.
This project will rehabilitate the 40,000+ square foot structure into 25 low cost loft-style live-work residences and ground level commercial art facilities, including work studios, rehearsal suites, performance & exhibition space, a public darkroom, digital media lab, and more.
This facility will be made available to local artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers and performers seeking an engaging, supportive environment in which to create and share their work, particularly those who cannot afford or otherwise obtain such space. Exhibits, performances and activities will be open to the public and audiences of all ages.
In 2010, Albany Barn moved into a new storefront headquarters at 46-48 North Swan Street. Aptly named Stage 1, the space is located approximately one block from St. Joseph's. In addition to office and meeting space, Albany Barn will utilize Stage 1 to create a persistent, dynamic visual arts presence, provide in-house arts programming and host other creative arts groups.
