In 1955 Rauschenberg moved into artist Rachel Rosenthal’s old studio at 278 Pearl Street, joining others, including composer John Cage, choreographer Merce Cunningham, and artists Robert Indiana, Ellsworth Kelly and Agnes Martin, near the southern waterfront area of Manhattan around Coenties Slip. These artists were drawn by the availability of large-scale loft spaces and low rents, as well as a desire to separate themselves from the older generation of Abstract Expressionist artists well established uptown. And the scene that developed was particularly welcoming of gay artists.