chashama supports communities by transforming temporarily vacant properties into spaces where artists can flourish. By recycling and repurposing buildings in transition, we invest in neighborhoods, foster local talent, and sustain a vast range of creativity, commerce and culture. chashama is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

chashama was founded by Anita Durst in 1995 because her life was transformed through art and creativity, and she wanted to give people the opportunity to experience similar enlightenment. Through chashama’s unique programming, we literally unlock and open the doors of unused spaces across the 5 Boroughs, making thousands of square feet available to hundreds of artists of all levels, ages and mediums annually.

Over the years, chashama has: converted over 50 locations throughout the 5 Boroughs; provided an inspired retreat for over 120 artists through chaNorth, our residency program; nurtured the creativity of over 500 young people; and given 10,000 artists access to discounted workspace that has enabled the presentation of over 2,500 public events , reaching nearly 500,000 viewers.