While school may have dismissed for summer, art classes are fervently buzzing at The Campus, upstate New York’s newfound cultural retreat. Nestled just on the outskirts of Hudson in a once-empty school abandoned since the 1990s, the initiative signifies an unmatched union between six New York galleries: Bortolami, James Cohan, Kaufmann Repetto, Anton Kern, Andrew Kreps, and Kurimanzutto. On June 29, above 2,000 attendees rejoiced at the debut of The Campus’s first exhibition, curated by independent curator Timo Kappeller, which will remain on display until October 27. Despite 78,000 square feet dedicated to showcases, ample space was available for creations by over 80 artists—including Cecily Brown, Yinka Shonibare, and Jenny Holzer—to thrive.
Nearly three years ago, Kreps observed that the old establishment, constructed in 1951, was obtainable as the COVID pandemic was prompting creatives to relocate upstate en masse. Enamored by its mid-century architecture and reminiscent backdrop, he, along with his gallery partners, united efforts to acquire it, acknowledging a prime opportunity.
“The collaborative spirit flourishing amongst the Tribeca galleries inspired us to trust in a project like The Campus,” mentions Stefania Bortolami, noting that the involved entities are “constantly communicating.” The gallery of the Italy-born dealer, along with Andrew Kreps and Kaufmann Repetto, already shares a venue, 55 Walker, and frequently hosts exhibitions together. “This shared social framework meant that when the chance emerged to acquire a closed school, we were already equipped to proceed together.”