May 29, 2020 By Michael Dorgan
The Plaxall Gallery has announced that a new non-profit organization has taken over programming at its Long Island City location.
Culture Lab LIC will provide artists with the opportunity to perform theater, music and showcase their art at the venue.
The new organization will operate the gallery’s converted warehouse facility at 5-25 46th Ave. to ensure artists have a space to produce their work, according to a statement.
The building is owned by prominent Long Island City-based plastics company Plaxall and is being used by the organization free of cost.
The new arrangement will significantly help local artists, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, according to Culture Lab Performing Arts Director, Tana Sirois.
“Culture Lab will be here to support artists through the long, challenging recovery, and we will continue to make art happen in LIC,” she said.
The 12,000 square foot facility already boasts three art galleries, a 90-seat theater, and an outdoor event space.
Plaxall initially began leasing the warehouse to artists for free about three and a half years ago.
LIC artists, a partner organization to Culture Lab, will now shift its focus to artist membership services.
Edjo Wheeler, who co-founded the Plaxall Gallery will serve as Executive Director of Culture Lab, and gallery director, Norma Homberg, will work as Exhibition Coordinator with LIC Artists.
The move also ensures that community service groups, food relief organizations and local schools can continue to use the space.