pop-up spaces
EL CONSULADO NYC activates vacant retail and underused spaces across New York City by transforming them into vibrant cultural outposts. We connect property owners with Venezuelan and diaspora artists, delivering community programming that reduces costs, drives visibility, and builds neighborhood confidence.
WHO WE SERVE
Our cultural activation model is street-level and highly visible, addressing the needs of artists, property owners, and communities across New York City.
Artists
We provide platform and visibility for Venezuelan and diaspora artists—emerging, mid-career, and established—who deserve exposure. Affordable contemporary artworks meet local communities where they are, offering accessible studio, exhibition, and public programming space.
Property Owners
We activate vacant retail locations by transforming them into cultural outposts. These animated spaces attract foot traffic, brighten the streetscape, reduce security and insurance costs, and qualify for NYC tax incentives—all while preventing squatting and deterioration.
Community
Our installations are interactive and welcoming. We host free public events where neighbors can see the work, meet artists, and participate in cultural programming. This builds confidence in neighborhoods and creates gathering spaces that reflect the diversity of NYC.
Why Partner With Us
Property owners, developers, and city agencies work with EL CONSULADO NYC to activate vacant spaces with purpose—reducing financial burden, generating positive visibility, and serving the public good.
Reduce Costs
Save on security, management, and insurance costs while maintaining an active, vibrant property.
Drive Footfall
Our creative programming attracts visitors and supports neighboring businesses in the area.
Prevent Squatting
Active occupation deters illegal use while maintaining property security and integrity.
ESG & CSR
Demonstrate social responsibility and community engagement through arts and culture.
Press & Marketing
Generate positive media coverage and showcase your property to potential tenants.
Flexible Terms
Short or long-term arrangements tailored to your property's needs and timeline.
Tax Benefits & Incentives for Property Owners
New York City and State offer financial and regulatory advantages for property owners who support arts activation and community programming. By partnering with EL CONSULADO, you may qualify for tax benefits, abatements, and credits that substantially offset costs and improve your property's value.
NYC Arts Space Act
A new provision in the Real Property Tax Law creates tax benefits specifically for "affordable arts space." Property owners who lease space at below-market rates to nonprofit arts organizations qualify for increased tax benefits and potential extensions.
- Additional tax benefit percentages tied to below-market rent levels
- Extensions of existing tax benefits for long-term arts commitments
- Potential 100% tax exemption if rent meets specific affordability thresholds
Commercial Property Tax Abatements
NYC's Department of Finance offers multiple abatement and exemption programs for commercial properties activated for cultural use:
Industrial & Commercial Abatement Program (ICAP)
Reduces property taxes for commercial buildings making qualifying improvements—applicable when renovating space for gallery or cultural use.
Commercial Revitalization Program (CRP)
Offers real estate tax rebates in older commercial buildings—useful for landlords activating vacant retail spaces.
Commercial Expansion Program (CEP)
Provides tax incentives for expanding commercial tenancy—applicable when reactivating underutilized retail locations.
Nonprofit Property Tax Exemption
Property used for eligible nonprofit arts purposes may qualify for full or partial property tax exemption under NY State law. Structure leases with arts nonprofits around exempt uses to reduce the taxable portion of your property.
Collaborate with nonprofits to apply for exemptions where applicable.
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits
Owners of income-producing properties listed (or eligible) on the National Register of Historic Places can qualify for substantial tax credits when rehabilitating buildings for arts and cultural reuse:
- Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit: 20%
- NY State Historic Tax Credit: 20-30%
How to Maximize Your Benefits
- Support EL CONSULADO and get tax benefits via our fiscal sponsor, The Field, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, through in-kind donations
- Structure leases with clear arts-use terms to align with Arts Space Act incentives
- Document improvements and activation plans to qualify for abatements and benefits
- Explore historic tax credits if your property has heritage value or is eligible for historic designation
Resources & Official Links
Explore official NYC and NY State resources to learn more about tax benefits, abatements, and incentives available to property owners supporting arts and cultural programming.
New York State Programs
NYC Arts Space Act (Assembly Bill A50)
Tax benefits for landlords leasing space at affordable rates to arts organizations
NYC Arts Space Act (Senate Bill S9919)
Senate version of the Arts Space Act legislation
NY State Real Property Tax Law (RP-420-a/b)
Legal basis for property tax exemptions for nonprofit cultural use
NYC Department of Finance Programs
Property Tax Benefits Portal
Complete list of property tax abatements and exemptions for commercial properties
Commercial Revitalization Program (CRP)
Tax rebates for older commercial buildings undergoing activation
Industrial & Commercial Abatement Program (ICAP)
Long-term tax abatement for capital improvements to commercial buildings
Commercial Rent Tax (CRT) Relief
Tax reductions for nonprofit arts tenants in Manhattan
Nonprofit Exemptions & Economic Development
Property Tax Exemption for Nonprofits
How properties used by 501(c)(3) arts organizations may qualify for exemptions
NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Commercial incentives for cultural activation and neighborhood revitalization
NYC Real Estate Incentives Overview
Independent guide to multiple incentive pathways for commercial property owners
Have questions about how these programs apply to your property?
Contact Our TeamWe Work With All Property Types
From retail storefronts to large-scale installations, we tailor cultural activation to suit any property size, timeline, or ownership structure.
Private Assets
We activate vacant retail, office, warehouse, and mixed-use properties for private landlords and developers. Short-term or long-term arrangements available—no property is too big or too small. We curate specialized exhibitions for temporary activations or place artists in studio spaces for longer commitments.
Submit InquiryMunicipal Assets
We collaborate with city agencies, borough offices, and planners to activate publicly-owned spaces. Rather than paying for expensive security or allowing properties to deteriorate, we occupy sites with local artists who deliver free public programming that serves the community and builds civic pride.
Partner With UsLandlord Inquiry Form
Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you shortly to discuss how we can work together.
Activate Your Property with Purpose
Transform vacant space into vibrant cultural outposts. Reduce costs, access tax benefits, and serve your community through arts programming with EL CONSULADO.