Tribeca Art Factory

To the lovely people at Tribeca Art Factory,
I give you 4 stars ONLY because you are a young start-​up and have a long way ahead of you! However, you have created something beautiful for all art lovers and I truly believe it is going to be a success.
This is the coolest underground event that you’ll ever attend. It’s hard to describe something so original because there isn’t anything to compare it to! In the heart of TriBeca (obviously), you’re greeted at the door by someone lovely to check your name on the list, he directs you downstairs where you are greeted by another lovely someone to take your coat so you are comfortable.
Before I go further, there is art EVERYWHERE and it’s amazing. You’re just surrounded by beautiful colors, trendy&vintage furniture, and there’s an outdoor area with even MORE paintings. It also has this really relaxed living room feel to it that I couldn’t get over.
Snacks and drinks! Make sure you eat something before you come! For now it looks like your choices are wine and some snacky foods (mini cupcakes, popcorn, etc.). The popcorn is in a popcorn maker by the way… How adorable is that? Oh yeah, and there’s a polaroid camera that they use to take pics of the guests. AH!
The DJ that was there was awesome. I don’t know if he’ll be there every week but he was on point. So kudos for the founders to choose him! It’s a small space so you won’t really be dancing or anything. BUT it’ll make watching the featured artists work more enjoyable and fun! You’re free to continue mingling or you can just watch the artist go to work until they are done.
It’s $ 25 a person. Which is understandable since they do need to make money as a start-​up but also a little expensive for my taste. If you’re going to be charging this much it needs to be the best experience possible, and it was a very enjoyable night! However, one thing about being a start-​up is you’re trying to identify who you are as a company. It’s clear what they DO but their purpose is still off to me… For now it’s just a spot to go to, watch new emerging artists work, and mingle in a networking environment. Which doesn’t seem as special as what it actually is. I also fear that if it’s this expensive now that it’ll only increase in the future and only be accessible to a certain population of people who can afford it… And really the experience should be open to everyone. $ 25 is actually pretty expensive to a lot of people who would really benefit from this…
Also, photos photos photos… Too much photography going on and the space is just way too small for that. I get it it’s an exciting event, it’s new, you want to document every moment of it! But really the hosting started out AWESOME, but drifted as the night got busy. Guests had to constantly be adjusting themselves because photos needed to be taken with a bunch of people and it could get a little frustrating if you just want to watch the artist work. Put the camera down for a little while and do a couple of rounds to make sure your guests are happy. Other than that… These guys are off to a great start :)
TL;DR: Good vibes, good music, art EVERYWHERE, don’t go there hungry, $ 25 cover, small cozy space, good for a date night. Try it at least once for yourself.

Wow! These guys know how to throw an event! Very welcoming and organized at the door. Helped us hang up our coats, got us warmed up with a drink and introduced us to some people to chat with. Other folks were very personable and great conversationalists. These guys are bring hosting back! Great art. Great music. Great people. Great vibes.

There is something about the Art Factory which is unequivocally reminiscent of what I have always imagined the cultural scene of 70s and 80s NYC to be — cool, uncontrived and strangely arousing. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket, the Friday Night Party is unparalleled in its uniqueness. The energy in there is tangible. It feels like you’re in a secret. Upon entering, you are immediately enveloped by the looming masterpieces created by Anthony Frattin, the scene of beautiful people and odd balls, the varying immersive art installations happening in one corner and before you know it, you become swept into costume or conversation with a complete stranger. It’s phenomenal. I would much rather be here, actually observing live art and engaging in interesting conversations with interesting people than getting wasted at some bar. Again.