Art in DUMBO will host its annual DUMBO Open Studios weekend on April 18 and 19, inviting the public into one of Brooklyn’s most active creative corridors. From 1:00pm to 6:00pm each day, visitors can explore artist studios, exhibitions and workspaces throughout the waterfront neighborhood, with 163 participating artists opening their doors across the district.
The event offers a rare chance to step inside working studios and experience the artistic process up close. Spanning a wide range of disciplines, the participating artists reflect the depth and diversity of DUMBO’s creative community, from emerging voices to more established practitioners. The weekend is designed to encourage direct engagement, giving visitors an opportunity to see works in progress, ask questions and better understand how ideas evolve into finished pieces.
This year’s roster includes artists affiliated with several prominent residency programs in the area, including BRIClab Contemporary Art, the Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program, Smack Mellon Artist Studio Program, New York Studio School, NowHere Studio Program and Triangle NYC. Together, these programs contribute to a steady pipeline of creative talent and play a key role in sustaining DUMBO’s reputation as a center for contemporary art and design.
A new feature debuting this year introduces an AI-powered tool designed to enhance the visitor experience. The Dumbo Concierge allows attendees to search for artists, browse by medium and build personalized itineraries, making it easier to navigate the wide range of studios and exhibitions across the neighborhood. The tool aims to streamline planning while encouraging deeper exploration of the event.
Support from Two Trees Management and the Walentas Family Foundation continues to shape DUMBO’s arts ecosystem. Through initiatives such as the Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program and the Cultural Space Subsidy Program, artists are provided with access to below-market studio space for extended periods, allowing them to expand their practices, produce ambitious work and engage with the public through studio visits and programming.
“DUMBO has always been a neighborhood that nurtures creativity, offering artists the space to take risks and grow,” said Ariel Willmott, cultural affairs director at Two Trees Management. “Each year, we are excited to open these studios to the public, giving visitors a chance to witness artists’ creative processes firsthand and engage with the community that has made DUMBO such a thriving hub for art. Open Studios is a celebration of collaboration, inspiration and the enduring spirit of creativity that defines this neighborhood.”
These efforts are complemented by year-round programming organized by Art in DUMBO, including First Thursdays, Open Studios and Shop the Studios, all of which contribute to a consistent and visible arts presence in the neighborhood. Together, these programs help maintain a strong sense of community while drawing new audiences to the area.
Today, DUMBO is home to more than 160 design firms and art galleries, alongside retail spaces, public parks and historic architecture that continues to attract both visitors and residents.
