The Shed

The Shed is a novel cultural institution located in Manhattan's west side, conceived to foster innovative art and ideas that resonate with the 21st century. Officially opened to the public on April 5, 2019, The Shed is dedicated to building a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and fostering a more equitable society. ### Mission The Shed's mission is to produce and welcome innovative art and ideas across all forms of creativity. It is a space where established and emerging artists come together to create new work in a myriad of disciplines, including music, painting, digital media, theater, literature, sculpture, and dance. The institution is designed to break down the barriers that traditionally separate art forms and audiences, aiming to minimize social and economic barriers to entry. It embraces technology and collaboration, offering both on-site and online transformational digital experiences. The Shed operates under the belief that access to new art and ideas is a right, not a privilege, and it strives to present engaging experiences that foster deep connections between artists and audiences. ### History The concept for The Shed was rooted in the vision of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration in 2005, which set aside a parcel of land on West 30th Street for future cultural use as part of the redevelopment of Manhattan's Far West Side. Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff and Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin were instrumental in shaping the idea of a flexible cultural organization that would complement New York's existing cultural landscape. In 2008, the City issued a Request for Proposals for a unique cultural space that would support creative expression in unprecedented ways. The City selected the architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, with Rockwell Group as the collaborating architect, to bring to life a design for a flexible structure that could accommodate a wide range of creative disciplines. The design featured a stack of column-free exhibition and performance spaces encased by a telescoping outer shell, allowing for versatile use of the space. Doctoroff transitioned to the role of chairman and president of the nonprofit corporation established to construct the building and create the organization, initially named Culture Shed. He led a $550 million capital campaign and managed the Board of Directors, which included prominent figures such as Diane von Furstenberg and Stephen Ross. In 2014, Alex Poots was appointed as The Shed's founding artistic director and CEO. Under Poots's leadership, the organization was renamed The Shed, and the building's design was further refined for flexibility, particularly for performance. The innovative home of The Shed was named The Bloomberg Building in January 2019, in honor of Michael Bloomberg's transformative vision and leadership. Since its opening, The Shed has significantly contributed to New York's cultural scene, supporting both established and emerging artists, and collaborating with various partners, cultural peers, and community organizations. Its dynamic programming includes immersive experiences, groundbreaking theater, major visual art exhibitions, concerts, and more, all aimed at advancing art forms and addressing the urgent issues of our time. The Shed is located at The Bloomberg Building, 545 West 30th Street, New York, NY 10001. For more information, The Shed can be contacted via email at info@theshed.org or by phone at 646-455-3494.