Pioneer Works Center For Art and Innovation

Pioneer Works

The main hall at Pioneer Works, which has hosted major art exhibitions and large scale concerts and events
Location	Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York City
Website	www.pioneerworks.org

Pioneer Works is a non-profit foundation in Red Hook, New York City that fosters multidisciplinary creativity in the arts and sciences. Pioneer Works was founded by artist Dustin Yellin who purchased a colossal brick building in Red Hook in 2010.

Pioneer Works helps produce creative work and social change. Collaboration between the arts and sciences is critical, and through exhibitions, performances, and publications, Pioneer Works exhibits an open vision of the world. In-depth participation is encouraged through residencies, classes, and lectures.

Since arriving in New York over a decade ago, Yellin had developed his career from scratch—but not in a vacuum. His progress was aided by continual exposure to the work of other talented artists and intellectuals. Though Yellin was continuing to establish his reputation, his artistic aim was to improve the culture as a whole, and he sought to provide a place where a variety of talented thinkers and artists could readily converge. He purchased the building, and, in June 2012, Pioneer Works Center for Art and Innovation first opened its doors to the public.

The exhibition program revolves around an expansive, spectacular main space that acts as a major exhibit hall. There are also several smaller enclosed exhibition spaces for special projects.

Exhibits reflect Pioneer Works’ collaborative ethos, and the program is not driven by a single curatorial voice.

Curators from a variety of backgrounds may work together on single exhibition. Featured work displays a broad theoretical range, successfully uses a variety of media, indicates willingness to experiment with content and process, and challenges prevailing cultural models.

Pioneer Works attempts to show work without regard to an artist's reputation or standing in the art community. Exhibitions are not necessarily driven by financial gain. This helps those involved avoid the negative effects and pressure often associated with art made primarily for profit.

Special lectures, performances, and events serve as the backbone of the creative culture of Pioneer Works. Specialists from diverse backgrounds present work in a number of different ways, from traditional lectures to films to art installations and performances.

"The Fly Room Lecture Series" presented a series of lectures in and around a recreated 1920s laboratory within the larger building. Built by Imagine Science Films, the lectures focused on the history of genetics and the future of genomics as explored through film, master classes, lecture series, and an interactive exhibit.

Musical performances are frequent and range from single performances to festivals. In 2012, over the weekend of October 11 and 12, Pioneer Works hosted more than a dozen performances to celebrate the five-year anniversary of independent record label Mexican Summer.