An Opportunity for Opportunity Providers:

EFA Project Space presents A Studio Residency for New York City Arts Workers

August 13th marked the commencement of EFA Project Space’s pilot residency program for arts workers who are artists! The program kicked off with a dinner and presentations by the eight inaugural participants. This residency-the first of its kind- is aimed at nourishing the creative needs of arts professionals (administrators, curators, developers, writers, producers, etc) who are artists in their own right, but the demands of their positions leave limited time and space to consistently sustain individual practice. This program provides the architecture for ongoing support of individual creative pursuits while fostering new modes of interacting with colleagues in the field.

From August 14- 29, the participants take over the 3,000 square foot gallery and turn it into an open, collective studio. They have each planned an area for intensive focus, and are working both individually and collaboratively. Following these two weeks, they will continue to meet on a monthly basis, engaging in a series of activities including presentations, brainstorming sessions, screenings, related excursions, visits by outside mentors, and peer evaluation. Ongoing documentation and response to this process as it unfolds will be recorded by the participants and made available on our website and through public programs at the Project Space.

The participating artists have been selected through nominations from colleagues in the field. The selections were determined based on outstanding service to the art community over a significant span of time. As the inaugural artist residents, this group will play a very active role in defining the parameters of the program, helping to build something sustainable for future participants. The inaugural participants are: Tova Carlin, Sean Carroll, Paul Clay, Chantel Foretich, Felicity Hogan, Sebastien Sanz de Santamaria, Amber Hawk Swanson, and Beatrice Wolert.

For more information on these artists, and to view images and blog postings, visit http://www.efanyc.org/residency/