Flux Factory

Our Mission

To support and promote emerging artists through residencies, exhibitions, and collaborative opportunities; build sustainable artist networks; and help retain creative forces in New York City.

Flux’s History

In August 1993, seven artists rented part of the second floor of a former spice factory next to the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The 1,800 square-foot space, with 14-foot ceilings, for which they paid $1,000 per month, had no dividing walls and the only source of running water was a slop sink. The group had come together as an informal artist collective to create an alternative platform to the commercial gallery scene.

The group, which soon became known as Flux Factory, was born out of the needs of emerging artists who come to New York City to take part in the cultural nexus. By 1998, Flux membership had doubled and the living room, with a new stage, evolved into a destination for art events and performances of all kinds, with supper parties and performances occurring each Thursday, a tradition which continues with our monthly “Flux Thursdays” salon and potluck.  Flux became an official 501 (c)(3) nonprofit in 1999.

In 2002, the organization itself became ensnared in the battle for New York City real estate and was forced to move to 43rd Street in Long Island City, Queens. That same year Jean Barberis curated the first Flux exhibit and thus inaugurated the Flux Factory exhibition program.  In 2009, Flux Factory was forced by eminent domain to move to its current location, an 8,000 square feet, three story, building in Long Island City. The new location provided an impetus to professionalize the residency program. Residents are now selected based on merits as well as on their commitment to collectivism. Today we host between 30 and 35 artists in residence per year.  Flux commissions new work through quarterly exhibitions, and residents produce public events at a prolific pace.