The Ely Centers' Big Move?
AFTER NEARLY A DECADE AT 51 TRUMBULL ST., THE HISTORIC JOHN SLADE ELY HOUSE, HOME TO THE ELY CENTER OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS, IS RELOCATING.
Image courtesy of ElyCenter.org
City Seed has stepped up to the plate to help facilitate the move by allowing the Ely Center a temporary home in their building at 162 James Street. This collaboration - which has blossomed since they hosted their Spring Gala in the space - allowed them to smoothly transition into a new, more suitable home for their artists and supporters.
The decision was made collectively by the Ely Center's board of directors, with support from their ever-growing community - always aiming to fulfill their mission as a space for “diverse and thought-provoking contemporary arts”.
The move came in part due to the property owner's decision to renovate the space, with the ultimate goal of repurposing the building.
Although the building has served as home to ECOCA for many years, this is not where their story ends.
Originally home to the chair of the Yale School of Medicine, John Slade Ely, and arts lover Grace Taylor Ely, the home was left in a trust as an art center for emerging contemporary artists. After losing significant value during the 2008 financial crisis, the house closed down and was resold to Area Cooperative Educational Services Corporation, with the knowledge that significant repairs needed to be done to use the space.
Image courtesy of ElyCenter.org
ECOCA's move to CitySeed was announced in mid-November after an initial announcement of the property sale at their Spring Gala in March. Artists and art lovers alike gathered to bid farewell to the space and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter.
Although the funds for the initial purchase were not raised by the intended date, thanks to community support and generous donations, the Ely Center has been able to explore and research options for a permanent residence.
Dedicated to connecting people through its exhibitions and outreach, with an understanding of the potential impermanence of the space after the initial sale of the property in 2022, ECOCA has developed its capacity for mobile exhibitions via art fairs, pop-ups, and collaborations with its peers.
After working together on hosting ECOCA's 10th anniversary fundraising gala, City Seed opened its doors to host the nonprofit, aiding in the continuation of their programming starting on February 1, 2026.
Support and donations are always welcome and appreciated at ECOCA to keep the space accessible and give artists a space to display their work. True to their mission to share new artists’ voices, the Ely Center's Keyhole Workspace Residency is once again open for submissions here.
