History

Our Own History

The Exhibition Alliance was formed in March 1972, originally as the Gallery Association of New York State, in response to the need for a statewide organization to help museums share resources and reduce exhibition costs.

TEA was founded as a membership cooperative and, although many of our services are available to non-members, we exist to serve our membership first.  TEA members support our services to the field, and enable us to provide those services at a reduced rate.

Our goals:

  • Provide services and information to promote liaison and resource sharing for exhibiting institutions.
  • Improve and expand each member’s exhibiting potential.
  • Strengthen bonds in the arts community, increasing the connection between large and small organizations from New York City to the tiniest hamlets.

Instrumental in our founding were the New York State Council on the Arts, and gallery directors from the State University of New York system – constituents who remain involved and supportive even now. 

Today, TEA is located at the geographic center of New York State, and works with institutions and individuals across the state and the nation.