Harlem emerges as New York's new art hub as galleries flee Chelsea

In 2016, Harlem has become the latest destination for New York galleries fleeing Chelsea's soaring rents and commercial homogenization. The migration began in 2014 when Nick Lawrence opened Arts & Leisure in East Harlem as an "antidote to hyper-market-oriented systems." Tatiana Pagés followed on 139th Street, Monica Bowman on 142nd, and Avi Gitler on Broadway at 145th. In 2015, Gavin Brown closed his West Village space to move to 126th Street, planning a three-story "urban secular cathedral" opening in May with Ed Atkins. Elizabeth Dee found a 1,000-square-meter loft next to the National Black Theatre, launching a new program in spring 2017. The Studio Museum on 125th Street announced a $122 million expansion, and the Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling opened in a David Adjaye-designed building. Gallerists cite Chelsea's rising rents, flood risks from Hurricane Katrina, and a desire for community engagement. Lawrence notes Chelsea has become "more conservative, less experimental." Gitler, a Harlem native, acknowledges gentrification but says most locals support his street art project with the National Audubon Society. Whole Foods will open on 125th Street, signaling further change.