A comprehensive history of MoMA PS1, this publication emphasizes artist-centered radical experimentation that characterizes the institution. MoMA PS1: A History contains historical statements and in-depth interviews with founder Alanna Heiss and contemporary witnesses closely associated with the institution. Complemented by previously unpublished archival documentation of exhibitions, performances, and events, with an additional included chronology and exhibition history.
Since its inception in 1976, The National and International Studio Program has been a defining feature of P.S.1's commitment to supporting artists. Providing studio spaces was one of the founding goals of the institution, first realized through the Workspace program established by Alanna Heiss in 1971. Initially studio spaces were occupied by artists in the New York City area, often these participants had established careers or had involvement with exhibitions organized by the Institute of Art and Urban Resources.
After obtaining the former school building in Long Island City, Queens in 1976, the program became more formalized by implementing a juried review of applications from across the United States. As the program developed, PS1 established agreements with international cultural organizations (or in the case of Germany, city-based institutions), which made preliminary selections of candidates, subsidized the monthly required rent and guaranteed a stipend for the artists' to stay in New York City.
Originally, artists in the studio program presented their work in open studio shows, but by 1979 annual or biannual group exhibitions were organized that included all studio participants. Although the studio program was discontinued after the 2003-04 year, the contributions made by participants remain as a highlight of MoMA P.S.1's legacy of artist-driven programming.
An asterisk (*) indicated that the specific dates of an artist's participation are unknown. Artists listed in the section 1976-1980 particularly rented studio space at some point in that period but likely not all four years. When an artist's country of origin (or city, in Germany's case) could not be confirmed, none is listed.
MoMA PS1 Archives, II.D.34. The Museum of Modern Art Archives, New York
