Artforum: DIA Announces new construction on Chelsea site (091106)

Dia Foundation Announces Plan to Open a New Space in Chelsea
11.06.09
http://www.artforum.com/archive/id=24121

Philippe Vergne, the director of the Dia Art Foundation, announced today that the foundation will construct a new building in Chelsea for “a reinvigorated New York City program.” The building will be located at 545 West Twenty-second Street, on the footprint of the building that Dia currently owns. A press release from Dia notes, “In keeping with the organization’s historical commitment to in-depth support of ambitious projects, the space will provide a New York City location for commissioned artworks.” It will also house long-term exhibitions, performances, and public programs––including readings, lectures, and symposia.

The decision to open a new site follows Dia’s closing of its former New York City space, which was in need of “substantial renovation and was found to be inadequate for Dia’s programming needs.” Early planning for the building has begun, and the architecture and scale of the edifice––which “will provide a utilitarian space designed for the experience of art”––are being determined. The project represents the first time in its thirty-five year history that Dia has elected to construct a new building, rather than to reuse an existing one.

Vergne, working in collaboration with Dia’s staff and in dialogue with its board, is conceptualizing the artistic and architectural program for the new space, which “will provide flexible conditions in which artists across generations, disciplines, and cultures and experiment and produce new works.” In the press release, he states, “By establishing this site in Chelsea, Dia reaffirms and deepens its commitment to artists and their vision, as well as to New York City. Dia:Chelsea will facilitate the creation and presentation of new works, new ideas, and new discourse.” Dia chairman Nathalie de Gunzburg states, “The vision that Philippe has articulated for Dia’s New York City space has galvanized the board of trustees, and we have embraced this major initiative with enthusiasm. We are thrilled to support Dia in providing artists with a new platform for in-depth exploration and innovation.”