About
MISSION
Pioneer Works Center for Art and Innovation was founded by the
Brooklyn-based artist Dustin Yellin in June 2012 with an open-ended
cultural mission: to present and promote arts and science through
exhibitions, residencies, classes, lectures, performing arts,
screenings, community events, publications and more. The art and science
residencies are integral to the center’s identity. Residents are
offered the tools and opportunity to experiment and collaborate in a
free, autonomous way. These multiple interactions help shape the
center’s identity, which also relies greatly on its actual building at
159 Pioneer Street, in Red Hook.
HISTORY
Built in 1866, the building was first occupied by Pioneer Iron Works,
one of the largest machine manufacturers in the United States-
constructing ships, boilers, tanks, sheet iron, detachable railroad
tracks, grain elevators, and machinery for sugar plantations. The
building was completely destroyed by a devastating fire in 1881 and
rebuilt shortly thereafter. Pioneer Iron Works operated until the middle
of the 20th century, after which the site became a storage facility for
Time Moving Company. Pioneer Street was named after the Pioneer Iron
Works building. Our main exhibition space is open to the public
Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 – 6:00 pm. Tours are available upon
request. For more information, directions and rental information, please
visit our contact page.
