MAD, the Midtown Arts District of Kingston, NY
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What is MAD?

A Unifying Arts Focus to Revitalize and Enrich Our Community

We wanted to shine a positive light on Midtown and draw attention to its arts-rich community. The idea was to use that as a platform for countywide interest in strengthening and investing in Midtown Kingston—and it has worked.

– Anne Bailey, President, MAD Board of Directors

Reviving A Once-Vibrant Industrial Hub Through the Arts

In the 19th century, Kingston’s Midtown district was a thriving industrial district: Today, dozens of arts-related businesses and housing facilities have successfully repurposed these historic buildings following decades of neglect.

The transformation began in 2013 when artists, artisans, businesses and residents started to discuss how designating a Kingston Midtown Arts District (MAD) could spark economic development. Four manufacturing businesses employing more than 60 people — Bailey Pottery Equipment, R&F Handmade Paints, ColorPage and American Made Monster Studios — joined with Cornell Street Studios, and two developers of artist live/work lofts and apartments — Mike Piazza and RUPCO — to lead the way forward.

During the next two years, 70 volunteers researched arts districts in other cities and identified ways to create economic and community revitalization that would be inclusive for artists, businesses and residents. In 2016, with the official launch of the annual MAD Celebration of the Arts and, the following year, a re-invigoration of 1st Saturday, the larger community became aware of the coalition’s work.

MAD formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2017.  That same year, MAD hired a part-time bookkeeper and an accountant, expanded its Board of Directors to seven members, and recruited a diverse and talented MAD Advisory Board. 

Established: A Significant Arts Identity in Midtown Kingston

Today, nearly 40 Midtown buildings are devoted to arts-based uses and more than 400 jobs and arts livelihoods have been generated. New projects are underway, including lofts for technology creatives, more housing for artists and mid- to low-income residents, a film production facility, additional artist studios and more.

Creating a significant arts identity in Midtown has sparked beneficial economic, public safety and aesthetic impacts – both on and off Broadway – throughout Kingston’s midtown neighborhoods.

Since the MAD was established, abandoned/dilapidated buildings have been restored, property values have increased and arts-related jobs have grown. Vibrant street activity has resulted in greater public safety, retail traffic and sales tax revenues. The City of Kingston has attracted grants for public improvements and neighborhood development, and opportunities for Midtown artists, businesses, residents and visitors continue to expand. Kingston is home to a significant population of world-renowned artists and performers who reside full- or part-time in the area, and galleries have benefited from improved visibility.

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Energy Square
20 Cedar Street
Kingston NY 12401

Mail
PO Box 2892
Kingston NY 12402

mail@madkingston.org
(845) 802-0097

Kingston Midtown Arts District
is a 501(c)(3) corporation.

© 2022 Kingston Midtown Arts District

ABOUT

Accomplishments
Board of Directors
Advisory Board

 

The D.R.A.W.

 

ARTS

1st Saturday Kingston Gallery Guide
Todd Samara Art Fund Award

MAD is made possible by the New York State Council of the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Celebration of the Arts

Red Goat Award
2021 CoA Video Showcase

 

NEWS

Newsletter Archive

This project is made possible in part through support from the County of Ulster’s Ulster County Cultural Services & Promotion Fund administrated by Arts Mid-Hudson.

Support MAD

Stakeholders
MAD 100+
Volunteer

 

Contact Us

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