Ely Center of Contemporary Art – Moving FAQ
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Why is the Ely Center of Contemporary Art moving?
After many inspiring years at our Trumbull Street home, the Ely Center of Contemporary Art (ECOCA) is temporarily relocating to new spaces at CitySeed. The building at 51 Trumbull Street, which ECOCA has leased since 2016, is owned by Frank Capasso & Sons, who have chosen not to renew our lease as they prepare to sell the property. While ECOCA explored options to purchase the building, the proposed sale price was beyond what we could reasonably afford. At the same time, our programs have grown beyond the capacity of the historic Ely House, and this move opens new opportunities for ECOCA to continue its mission in a more flexible, community-oriented setting.
Who made the decision to move?
The decision to move was made collectively by the Ely Center’s Board of Directors, which includes artists, curators, and community members dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability and mission of ECOCA. This transition supports our commitment to presenting inclusive, diverse, and thought-provoking contemporary art programming.
What will happen to the Trumbull Street building?
The John Slade Ely House, built in 1901 and home to the Ely Center since 1963, will be undergoing a major renovation by its owners as part of their plans to repurpose the building. ECOCA is not involved in this renovation but remains deeply grateful to have been a steward of this historic space for nearly a decade.
You can read more about the building’s history and its legacy in New Haven’s art community here.
Where is ECOCA moving?
ECOCA is moving to CitySeed, a vibrant community hub in New Haven that fosters creativity, sustainability, and connection. Our new space will allow for continued exhibitions, artist programs, and events in a dynamic and accessible environment.
In 2025, ECOCA and City Seed worked together to host ECOCA’s 10th anniversary gala fundraiser. In addition to offering space for exhibitions, it is also able to accommodate our vital Keyhold Artist in Residence program, which supports 3-5 artists with subsidized studio space each semester. We look forward to showcasing the work of our Keyhole artists in the first ECOCA exhibition at City Seed.
Will ECOCA continue its exhibitions and programs?
Yes! ECOCA will continue to present contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and community programs that challenge, inspire, and connect. While our address is changing, our mission remains the same—to present inclusive, conceptual, and provocative art that fosters dialogue around global and local issues.
Over the past two years, knowing that a move was likely, ECOCA has been developing its capacity to operate nomadically, with pop-ups, art fairs, and collaborations with peer organizations. With our Director Aimee Burg's expertise, ECOCA had presentations at Upstate Art Weekend, Spring Break Art Fair, Creative Arts Workshop, and the 10th Anniversary Benefit exhibition at City Seed. Our mobile vintage RV, Lucy, that houses an artist studio, will also be moving with us to City Seed!
What is ECOCA’s mission?
ECOCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting contemporary art exhibitions and events that are inclusive, diverse, and promote dialogue around global and community issues. We believe in the power of the arts to connect people and strengthen community.
What is the history of the Ely Center and the Friends of John Slade Ely House of Contemporary Art (FJSEHCA)?
ECOCA was founded by community members and curators who came together to preserve the Ely House as a public art center after its future was threatened in 2015. The nonprofit Friends of John Slade Ely House of Contemporary Art, Inc. (FJSEHCA) was established to lease and operate the building, reopening it as ECOCA in 2016.
When ECOCA was formed, there was never an assurance that 51 Trumbull would serve as a permanent home—each year has been its own miracle. For a time, the building was owned by ACES/Educational Center for the Arts, and ECOCA was allowed to remain as a rent-paying tenant while they entered a planning period and worked to obtain permits for structural changes. The building was later sold to Capasso, who purchased it under ECOCA’s name for a two-year period before buying it back and entering into a lease agreement, which was extended for another six months this year.
Our move continues this legacy of resilience, stewardship, and community-driven creativity.
How can the community support ECOCA during this transition?
You can support the Ely Center by donating, attending our upcoming exhibitions and events, and following us on social media for updates about our new space and programming. Your contributions help us sustain artists, exhibitions, and community engagement as we move into our next chapter.
Where can I learn more about the building’s legacy?
You can explore the rich history of the John Slade Ely House, its founders Grace and John Ely, and its role in New Haven’s art community since 1963here.