The Free Art Society

Make art be Free.
The Free Art Society is an East Village based arts organization that explores the degree to which art in public spaces can transform the community that owns it. Through large-scale multimedia art projects we help the public to reach their full artistic and expressive potential. It is our mission to propose that making art is a common human impulse and essential to building communities based on the principles of freedom, beauty and understanding.

The Massive Mad Hatter Tea Party

The annual Massive Mad Hatter Tea party in Tompkins Square Park erases the lines between spectator and performer by inviting unsuspecting passers-by to don a hat and jump down the rabbit hole, becoming a character in Wonderland.

The event has had live music from bands such as Raya Brass Band, Amor Obscur, The Saxaphone Army and Yula and the Extended Family. Recurring characters include Bob Holman founder of the Bowery Poetry Club, Fritz Donnely of Hi Christina and Sierra Carrere.

The Massive Mad Hatter Tea Party is made possible by Two Boots, The Lower East Side Girls Club, Rooftop films, and Sustainable NYC.

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Posters: 2010 Nicolina, 2011 Nicolina, 2012 Walker Fee

Universal Heart opening

An event celebrating the opening of The Free Art Society’s L.E.S. Pop-up space, Universal Heart brought together artists from all over NYC resulting in a collaboration of spectacular diversity. Audience members participated in a live painting jam to the sound of music by Astro Club Blond and Egemen Sanli. There was visual art from over 30 artists in addition to performance art by Baby Skin Glove, Liliana Velasquez, Eija Ranta and Katie-O. Aric Gutnick lit up the night with fire performance while spectators took a spin on our mini carousel.

MOTHERSHIP

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Held on a vintage steamship floating on the Hudson River in New York, The Free Art Society’s MOTHERSHIP event combined music, performance, and visual art to create a multi faceted experience.
A rusted steamship was brought to life with expression of artists from multiple disciplines. The deck was transformed into a stage featuring the music of Mamarazzi, Zap and the Naturals, and D-Money while the inner rooms pulsed with curated visual art. Performances erupted in random bunkers at unexpected moments while the audience explored the belly of the ship with a spirit of adventure.

VOID BOX 

The Free Art Society created an alternate reality inside of a seemingly ordinary box truck for The Lost Horizon Night Market. The Night Market is a transient bazaar where one can encounter a variety of mysterious lounges, theaters, galleries, cafes, installations and other activities, all situated within box trucks parked together on the street. In our truck you could paint freely all over the walls and ceilings with glowing paint and experience the VOID box, our triangular walk-in art installation filled with light, sound and mystery.

GET INVOLVED

Free Art Society projects are the result of contributions from the minds and hands all kinds of people. We invite you to be a part of our upcoming events and endeavors. Bring your Excitement, your experience, creativity and passion and become part of the Free Art Society. 
Make Art. Be Free.