The UB Arts Collaboratory’s downtown art space, “The Space Between,” closed Sept. 4 after a six-month stint on Ellicott Street. The AC plans to move to a new, permanent location during the spring 2022 semester.
Led by director Bronwyn Keenan, the spot first opened on Feb. 27 with the exhibit, Àdápé, by Victoria-Idongesit Udondian, which centered around first-generation American immigrants. The Buffalo-born duo Chango4 and way2wavybaby were the final participants in the Collaboratory’s residency program, and presented “C4W2,” which focuses on mental health.
Keenan calls “The Space Between” a “process space;” the one room studio showcased pieces in between the studio and gallery phases of their lifespan, giving art aficionados a rare glimpse into the process of artistic creation.
Gina Cali-Misterkiewicz, assistant dean for marketing and communications for the College of Arts and Sciences, says the space is meant to unite the Buffalo arts community.
“In an effort to bring Buffalo artists together to share ideas and inspiration, The Space Between served as an arts incubator on the border of East and West Buffalo,” Cali-Misterkiewicz said.
Hosting six “happenings” over its six-month lifespan, the space showcased a variety of artwork.
The studio’s $500 rent was funded by an online crowdfunding campaign, which drew from dozens of donors.
The AC had a budget of $79,296 going into 2021, Cali Misterkiewicz said in a previous interview with The Spectrum. The Spectrum was unable to confirm how much of these funds were used , and was unable to obtain the 2022 budget for AC.
Although this location was always meant to be temporary, the AC plans to host pop-ups this fall and winter, and hopes to secure a permanent location in spring 2022, according to its website.
Alex Falter is the senior arts editor and can be reached at alex.falter@ubspectrum.com
Alex Falter is a senior arts editor at The Spectrum.
