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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 18, 2023
COLLAR WORKS ANNOUNCES THEIR NEW FUTURE HEADQUARTERS AND CAMPAIGN TO FURTHER SUPPORT ARTISTS
Collar Works and Project Developer Jeff Buell unveiled the nonprofit art organization’s new location, featuring art galleries and affordable artist studios.
TROY, N.Y. (Sept. 18, 2023) – Collar Works, a nonprofit arts organization supporting artists, announced their new future headquarters at 206 1st Street in Troy and their matching capital campaign initiative. Approaching its 15th anniversary, Collar Works is laying the foundation for future growth by launching a $10.5 million campaign, which includes purchasing, preserving, and renovating one of Troy’s historic iron foundries into a hub for art and innovation. The renovation will feature a state-of-the-art gallery, affordable artist studios, live/work space, outdoor event and gathering space. This initiative will enhance Collar Works’ already vibrant programs, expand capacity, and establish a fund for direct artist support while fostering community engagement. In addition, the fully transformed property will allow Collar Works to grow its nationally recognized exhibition and residency programs, including the Elizabeth Murray Artist Residency and FLOCKart. “We are thrilled to be able to cement our future in Troy and radically grow our support of emerging and underrepresented artists,” said Elizabeth Dubben, co-director of Collar Works. “We invest in artists; artists invest in our communities. The Collar Works Future Fund will amplify our impact and increase our ability to support world-class artists at critical times in their lives and careers. Our goal is for the arts not just to survive but thrive.” The Collar Works Future Fund began in 2022 with a sustaining contribution from philanthropist Agnes Gund supporting the Elizabeth Murray Artist Residency program. Additional donors include Susan Thomas, the Thomas Family Foundation, and the Murray-Holman family. Collar Works has partnered with local developer Jeff Buell, who has independently catalyzed moving this project forward. The Collar Works Future Fund has raised $2 million and seeks to match the lead funding to move forward this fall. The Collar Works Future Fund aims to reach $10.5 million by 2027. “Witnessing Elizabeth Murray’s generosity and vision live on through the residency is a wonderful gift,” said Agnes Gund. “It is my honor to contribute to this program which sparks greater investments in emerging artists, underrepresented artists, and artists as parents, to be fully supported, and to flourish in their creative practice.”
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