Yant Art Space's future is under threat.

Due to serious issues with their lease and the realtor and landlord’s misrepresentation of the space’s actual size (stating it was 4,000 sq feet while it is actually 3,000 sq feet), Yant is now facing eviction. This means Yant Art Space has been over-paying rental fees by $4,000 per month as per the agreed upon price per square foot.

At first, assuming an honest mistake on the landlord or realtor's behalf, Yant reached out to them directly to renegotiate the lease with the correct square footage. Despite acting in good faith and attempting to resolve the matter responsibly, they are being pushed out of the very space they’ve cultivated with care and deep community involvement. A few weeks ago, it was discovered that the realtor and landlord had re-listed Yant Art Space's address as being available, and despite  knowing the true square footage, are advertising the space as being 4,500 sq feet. Soon after, Yant Art Space learned that the landlord had filed for eviction.

This is not just about Yant Art Space—it’s about the right of independent, community-rooted cultural spaces to exist in New York City. When landlords inflate square footage, break trust, and force out grassroots spaces, it’s the wider community that loses.

Yant Art Space was founded in 2019 with a mission to create an inclusive, artist-led space in Forest Hills—one that champions creativity, collaboration, and community. Since then, they’ve been proud to call Austin Street our home. That same year, they organized the first public art exhibition in Forest Hills, helping to reintroduce a much-needed platform for local artists and audiences.

Since moving into their current location a year and a half ago, Yant Art Space has become a vibrant hub for art-based community programming. They've hosted art workshops, artist markets, art & craft events, community meet-ups, and collaborative events—bringing together emerging artists, other small businesses, established creatives, advocacy groups, and our neighbors in shared celebration of the arts. 

For many of us, Yant Art Space has become a sanctuary and a second home. It is the epitome of a third space and a true gem in our neighborhood of Forest Hills. There are no other places in our neighborhood that do so much to build community and connection, have a calm and warm atmosphere, and offer a platform for small artisans while also uplifting our local artists.

This coming Tuesday, August 12th, they have a court date for an "order to show cause" to demonstrate to the housing court judge why they should not be evicted.  Yant's fate rests in the hands of the judge's decision on this court date. We are asking any of you who have become part of the Yant Art Space community to show your support and use your voice to help save Yant Art Space by signing this petition.

We call on our community, fellow artists, neighbors, and allies to stand with us in this moment.

With gratitude and determination,
Friends of Yant Art Space & Yant Art Space