chashama benefit for A.R.E.A.

chashama, a non-profit arts group headed by artistic director Anita Durst, will host a benefit to support its A.R.E.A. program (Accessing Real Estate for the Arts). The event will honor Jeffrey Gural, president of Newmark, and Cora Cahan, president of The New 42nd Street, for their contributions to the New York City artistic community. A.R.E.A. is an initiative to create temporary art performance space using underutilized New York City real estate donated to chashama on a temporary basis. It provides subsidized space to thousands of new and emerging artists.

In 1995, Mr. Gural donated the second floor of 40 Worth Street to chashama, enabling the fledgling non-profit to perform experimental productions. Recently, he has again provided space: this time more than 40,000 square feet. Ms. Cahan has also been a major force in revitalizing New York theater, says Ms. Durst. As president of a non-profit organization, The New 42nd Street, she has helped to restore and recreate seven theaters on the block between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.

The evening will feature performances by some of New York City’s most innovative artists, including Julie Atlas Muz, a 2004 Whitney Biennial Exhibitioner; The Red Bastard; Happy Hour Clowns; choreographer Edisa Weeks; and movement sculpture installation artist, Claire Barratt. There will also be a fire performance by “Flambeaux.”

A silent auction will contain works donated by chashama artists in residence. Raffle prizes include vacation packages, tickets to many New York City cultural institutions, and gift certificates to New York City restaurants. All funds raised at the event will directly support chashama’s A.R.E.A. program.