Arts Warehouse: Fostering Creativity and Community in Delray Beach
Located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District is this month’s property spotlight, Arts Warehouse. The Arts Warehouse is an influential part of the art community in Delray Beach. Opened in late 2017, this 15,000 sq. ft. rehabilitated warehouse is a project funded by the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Designed to serve as a hub for artistic innovation and economic growth, the Arts Warehouse offers an ever-changing array of exhibitions, workshops, and special events while fostering a community of artists and creatives.
“The CRA saw the vacant warehouse as an opportunity to activate the already designated Artists Alley and the NE 3rd area of Pineapple Grove Arts District with more Artist studios and programming to bring people to the area,” said Grace Gdaniec, Arts Warehouse Program Director.
Support for Local Artists: Affordable Studio Spaces and Resources
The CRA’s mission is to drive growth in unactivated areas of the community, which inspired the idea for the Arts Warehouse. The project serves as a key destination, attracting visitors who often explore nearby businesses. Its role in activating the area attracts a diverse range of visitors, from art enthusiasts to casual passersby.
“With the goal of economic development and community growth includes supporting small and local businesses,” said Grace. “Acknowledging artists as a small business, providing studio spaces at a subsidized rate of rent allows artists emerging into their careers to be able to afford a place to work. Supporting local artists as small businesses is part of the mission.”
The Arts Warehouse is more than just a venue—it’s a catalyst for creativity. With three gallery spaces showcasing rotating exhibitions, art lovers can explore works that span a variety of mediums and styles.
“Arts Warehouse aims to showcase the artists by including them in the exhibition programming, annual resident artist exhibitions, and special events promoting the studios,” said Grace. “ Also featuring artists in AW social media accounts, e-newsletters sharing updates and good news about the artists, and consistently encouraging people/visitors to visit the studio hallways.”
In addition to exhibitions, the Arts Warehouse hosts art workshops throughout the month, inviting residents and visitors to engage in hands-on learning and creative exploration.
Connecting Artists with the Community and New Opportunities
The Arts Warehouse is free and open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday. It allows the artists to meet new clients, share their work, and hopefully make a sale or exhibition connection. Grace says many artists have sold work to people who walked in by chance.
“We will have a new ‘class’ of resident artists moving in this spring, so we will potentially be at capacity for a few years. In the next phase, I think that visibility is still a big goal for AW – how we can let the community know that we’re here and that we are welcoming to anyone, even if they don’t ‘know anything’ about art,” said Grace. “I think that after 7 years of being open, we’re continuing to maintain a great momentum with involvement and have dozens of repeat and return attendees that we continue to get to know and welcome to workshops and events.”
The Arts Warehouse is more than a CRA property—it’s a thriving ecosystem where creativity, collaboration, and community converge. Whether you’re an artist looking to grow your practice, a resident seeking inspiration, or a visitor eager to experience Delray Beach’s vibrant arts scene, the Arts Warehouse has something to offer.
“I think such a large number of return visitors is a testament to the positive and inspiring environment here,” said Grace.
We invite you to explore the galleries, participate in workshops, and engage with the talented artists who call this space home. Let’s continue celebrating and supporting the arts as a vital part of our city’s culture and economy.
To learn more, visit artswarehouse.org.
