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For Immediate Release: February 13, 2025


Contact: publicaffairs@culture.nyc.gov


NYC DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS CUTS THE RIBBON ON A $12.7 MILLION RENOVATION PROJECT AT BROOKLYN’S PIONEER WORKS

 

$3.4 Million in City Funding Supported the Transformative Renovation, which Includes Major Accessibility Upgrades and a New HVAC System

 Group photo of the ribbon cutting at Pioneer Works

Photo courtesy Pioneer Works


Brooklyn, NY – Today, Commissioner Laurie Cumbo joined local leaders to announce the completion of a major renovation project at Brooklyn’s renowned Pioneer Works cultural center. Supported with $3.4 million in city funding from the Office of the Mayor, Brooklyn Borough President, and City Council, the project includes a new elevator, a new wheelchair-accessible pathway in the garden, and an HVAC upgrade, transforming the 150-year-old, former ironworks factory and its adjoining 20,000-square-foot garden a fully accessible, year round destination for artists and audiences.


“Pioneer Works is one of our city’s most exciting cultural institutions, bringing extraordinary, cutting-edge work by artists from around the globe to this dynamic community hub in the heart of Red Hook,” said NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “We’re proud of the city’s investment in this much-needed renovation project, which brings this historic building into the present day and makes its full footprint more open and accessible than ever before. One project at a time, we’re working with institutions across the city on efforts like this to make sure that our cultural facilities can welcome and engage residents of all backgrounds and abilities.”


"The central aim of this undertaking is to better reflect and support the diverse needs of our growing community in the architecture and design of our space," said Mara Manus, CEO of Pioneer Works. "These critical accessibility improvements enable significant transformations to Pioneer Works' infrastructure, aligning with our mission to foster the free exchange of ideas through programming that is open and accessible to all."


Built in 1866 as the Pioneer Iron Works manufacturing facility, the historic red-brick structure is a living vestige of the neighborhood’s industrial past, now transformed into a world-renowned cultural center that presents exciting, cutting-edge installations, hosts artist residencies, and other public programming that make it a hub for artistic, social, and economic activity. The comprehensive renovation includes:


  • Installation of a full-service elevator providing access to artist studios, galleries, and offices
  • Addition of a central HVAC system enabling year-round programming
  • Construction of an ADA-accessible wooden pathway in the garden
  • Creation of additional gender-neutral restrooms


In addition to the city’s $3.4 million investment, the project is supported by funds from New York State, the Sands Family Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Thompson Family Foundation, Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, and Pittman Family Foundation.


"Pioneer Works exemplifies how cultural institutions serve as powerful engines of both economic growth and social progress. This transformation of a historic Brooklyn landmark into a cutting-edge center for artistic and scientific innovation does more than preserve our industrial heritage – it creates a dynamic space where creativity, technology, and community converge," said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. "Through strategic state investments, we're ensuring that groundbreaking ideas and opportunities for discovery are accessible to every New Yorker, reinforcing our commitment to equitable development across the Empire State."


"Pioneer Works’ renovation breathes new life into its historic facility, enhancing accessibility and reinforcing its role as a cultural cornerstone for Red Hook and Brooklyn," said NYCREDC Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, City University of New York Chancellor and William D. Rahm, CEO of Everview Partners. "This project not only fosters artistic and intellectual discovery but also fuels local economic growth. The NYCREDC is proud to support this transformative investment, reaffirming our commitment to building vibrant, equitable communities where creativity and opportunity flourish for all New Yorkers."


Since 2012, Pioneer Works has provided a new model for cultural organizations by offering free, interdisciplinary programming open to all. The center attracts over 50,000 visitors annually—from students participating in educational programs to artists-in-residence pursuing visionary projects. With over 90% of its programming free to the public, Pioneer Works fosters innovative thinking through visual and performing arts, music, and sciences, encouraging learning through community-based workshops, continuing education classes, and K-12 STEAM initiatives.


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About Pioneer Works

Pioneer Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural center that builds community through the arts and sciences to create an open and curious world. By providing free, open access to cutting-edge programming that transcends disciplinary boundaries, Pioneer Works creates opportunities for discovery, experimentation, and education. Please visit www.pioneerworks.org for upcoming programs and announcements. To see part performances, talks, and insightful writing, visit the PW Broadcast https://pioneerworks.org/broadcast.


About NYC Department of Cultural Affairs

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is dedicated to supporting and strengthening New York City’s vibrant cultural life. DCLA works to promote and advocate for quality arts programming and to articulate the contribution made by the cultural community to the City’s vitality. The Department represents and serves nonprofit cultural organizations involved in the visual, literary, and performing arts; public-oriented science and humanities institutions including zoos, botanical gardens, and historic and preservation societies; and creative artists at all skill levels who live and work within the City’s five boroughs. DCLA also provides donated materials for arts programs offered by the public schools and cultural and social service groups, and commissions permanent works of public art at City-funded construction projects throughout the five boroughs. For more information visit www.nyc.gov/culture.