THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE ELY CENTER
For more than a decade, the Ely Center of Contemporary Art has created opportunities for artists and brought contemporary art into conversation with our community.
Now, we have an opportunity to build something lasting.
Help us transform a new space into a home for artists, exhibitions, and community.
A PLACE OF OUR OWN
For more than a decade, the Ely Center of Contemporary Art has created opportunities for artists and brought contemporary art into conversation with our community. Now, we have an opportunity to build on this work, expanding what is possible for artists and strengthening our impact for years to come.
We have signed a purchase agreement for a 5,082-square-foot industrial flex property at 131 Leeder Hill Drive in Hamden.
With $500,000 already raised, we have taken the first major step toward making this vision possible.
The next step is transforming the building into a space that can support artists, exhibitions, programs, and the wider creative community.
We are raising the remaining $1 million to make that transformation possible.
FROM INDUSTRIAL SPACE TO CREATIVE SPACE
The property gives us the space and flexibility to create a home designed around the needs of contemporary artists and our community.
The flexible interior space with high ceilings has 5,082 sq. ft. of industrial flex space to hold galleries and studios.
The location has convenient access to Interstate 91 and Route 15; is close to the Dixwell Avenue retail corridor, close to the Lab at ConnCORP, around the corner from Whitney Center and across the street from ACES and in the same complex as The Learning Center & Common Vision.
This is more than a building. It is an opportunity to create a place where artists can work and be in community all while surrounded by inspiring art.
IMAGINE WHAT THIS SPACE COULD BECOME
Our campaign will help us transform it into a welcoming contemporary art space with the infrastructure needed to support the Ely Center’s programs and the people we serve.
Campaign funds will support the work required to bring the space to life, including:
Building renovations and construction
Architectural, engineering, and permitting costs
Gallery build-out and exhibition infrastructure
Building systems, accessibility, and essential equipment
The building is the foundation
What happens inside it is the future of the Ely Center
For three years, The Ely Center’s Artist-in-Residence program has provided artists with something that is increasingly difficult to find: free space and time to make their work.
We currently host two cohorts of three artists each year. They receive free studio space for 4 months, studio visits from other arts professionals and a culminating exhibition.
A permanent home will allow us to build on this program, creating not just studio space, but an environment equipped to support artistic experimentation and possibility. With resources such as a darkroom, kiln, and specialized tools, we can give artists greater freedom to explore new processes and bring ambitious ideas to life. It is an opportunity to build a physical space that reflects the depth of our commitment to local artists and provides the resources they need to make work they might not otherwise be able to make.
IMAGINE WHAT THIS SPACE COULD SUPPORT
Keyhole Residency Program
4 MONTHS of free studio space for each artist
6 ARTISTS supported annually across two cohorts of three
6 SOLO EXHIBITIONS one culminating exhibition for each artist
A note to our viewers: The above images in color are simple AI renderings to help imagine possibilities and are not exact plans for 131 Leeder Hill Drive.
Family Friendly Workshops
Dedicated room to teach different art techniques to people of all ages
6 ARTISTS supported annually across two cohorts of three
6 SOLO EXHIBITIONS one culminating exhibition for each artist
Concerts @ The Ely
Between WEIRD MUSIC NIGHT and our accessible space to hold experimental and contemporary concerts, the Ely Center has created a reputation as a go-to for musicians to hold concerts where other venues might not support.
