1996–2026
Inhabiting · Questioning · Transforming
In 1996, a former garage in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, became CAVE, an artist-run space where people could live, work, experiment, and create together.
In its early years, CAVE was a gallery and performance space presenting the work of hundreds of artists. Over time, it also became the birthplace of LEIMAY, the interdisciplinary artistic collaboration and organization led by Ximena Garnica and Shige Moriya, whose work continues to grow from this space.
As Williamsburg transformed and rising rents displaced many artists, CAVE remained. Across three decades, it has continued to welcome generations of artists, including immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and independent artists, offering space to rehearse, develop work, share practices, and encounter one another.
CAVE has never been only a venue. It has been a place to inhabit, question, experiment, and transform, shaped by the people who have lived, worked, created, and gathered here.
Thirty years of artistic practice in one place belong to many people. Everyone who has passed through these rooms has contributed something to their history. This anniversary is a moment to reconnect, celebrate the many lives and practices that have intersected here, and imagine together what comes next.
A Gathering on December 2
On Wednesday, December 2, we’re opening CAVE’s doors for a community celebration, bringing together artists, collaborators, neighbors, and friends, both old and new.
Perhaps you took a class here, rehearsed in our studio, attended a performance, visited the gallery in its early years, or shared a meal or conversation. Maybe you’ve been part of CAVE for decades, or perhaps you’re just discovering us.
Whoever you are, we’d love to celebrate with you!
Doors open at 6:00 PM. The evening begins promptly at 6:30 PM with a screening and conversation with Ximena Garnica and Shige Moriya, followed by a festive gathering with art, food, drinks, and good company.
Let’s Share a Table!
We’re celebrating potluck-style! Bring an appetizer, dessert, or your favorite beverage to share.
And here’s a little extra fun: the creators of the Best Appetizer and Best Dessert will each receive a special-edition artwork!
No pressure to bring anything, though. Your presence is what matters most!
Come celebrate 30 years of CAVE and the many possibilities still ahead!
Poster design by Irena Romendik
LEIMAY is supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; the Howard Gilman Foundation; the Mertz Gilmore Foundation; The New York Community Trust; the Mellon Foundation; and many generous contributions from individual donors.
LEIMAY’s works, community and coalition programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; and the NYC Women’s Fund for Media, Music and Theatre by the City of New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment in association with The New York Foundation for the Arts. Additional support is provided by Creative Capital; the National Performance Network (NPN); and the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Mellon Foundation.
In Person Event
Event Dates Range
Event Dates
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- December 2, 2026 6:00 pm
- Open doors
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- December 2, 2026 6:30 pm
- Screening
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- December 2, 2026 7:00 pm
- Gathering
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Spots are limited. Advance reservation is recommended
Venue / Location
- CAVE, home of LEIMAY
58 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY 11249
Bring a dish or a beverage to share (optional). Best Appetizer and Best Dessert will each receive a special-edition artwork
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