Workspace FAQ
- Where is the Workspace residency program located?
- The Workspace studios are located in Lower Manhattan, however there is not a permanent location. Because LMCC works with Downtown real estate owners who donate temporarily vacant space, the location changes from year to year. The location for 2012-2013 is to be determined.
- Who can apply?
- Application to Workspace is open to emerging visual artists and writers working in a range of disciplines and genres.
- Collaborative pairs (of no more than two people) may apply. Eligible collaborative applicants should submit one application and must demonstrate a history of collaboration.
- Artists and writers who will be participating in another residency or professional development program or who will be enrolled as students during the Workspace session are not eligible to apply.
- Commercially focussed artists with a client-based practice should review the resources offered by Workspace to determine if the program is appropriate for their artistic practice.
- How does LMCC define emerging?
- For the Workspace program, emerging is defined contextually, not with any specific requirements. Workspace strives to serve artists at an early stage in their career, who demonstrate a serious commitment to their practice, are engaged in a contemporary dialogue, and have great potential, but may be under-recognized in the field and/or in New York City.
- Can international artists and writers apply?
- Yes! International artists and writers can apply to Workspace. It is important to note that LMCC offers studio workspace only, NOT living space. If accepted, international participants are responsible for their own visa, travel, living and housing expenses, and arrangements. LMCC can only offer minimal assistance to international participants in securing necessary immigration documents. The small stipend/materials fee will not be sufficient for living expenses.
- Does LMCC provide a place for artists and writers to live during the program?
- No, LMCC does not provide housing. All space is studio workspace ONLY. All participants are responsible for securing their own housing at a reasonable distance from the studios for the 9-month duration of their residency.
- How long is the Workspace program?
- Nine (9) months long, September through May.
- Is there a stipend?
- There is a one-time stipend of $1,000 (depending on available funds). There is no monthly living stipend.
- How are the studios equipped?
- In general, individual studio space is approximately 150-300 square feet. Each studio is partitioned within a larger, shared space, and may or may not have a door. Artists have 24/7 access to the studios, which are equipped with:
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- A desk and a chair
- Wireless internet access
- Basic overhead lighting
- Access to a slop sink
- Small lockers for storage
- Heating and air conditioning seasonally during normal business hours
- Please note: there are not medium- or technique-specific facilities like a woodshop or media equipment. Artists must provide their own tools; some restrictions apply.
- Studios are not open to the public.
- Is there access to facilities for electronic, digital, and new media artists?
- Visual artists-in-residence have the opportunity to apply for Visiting Artist Status at partner institutions where they receive access to different multimedia facilities. Current partners include School of Visual Arts’ Computer Arts MFA Program, New York University’s Advanced Media Studio, and Harvestworks.
- What are Salon Evenings?
- Each week all writers- and artists-in-residence gather for an event called Salon Evenings. Events are two-fold, both building the community within the residency and also providing professional development opportunities. Salon Evenings take different forms: individual studio visits with arts and literary professionals; workshops on practical issues like taxes, copyright, and grant-writing; group events like potluck dinners; as well as artist talks or readings. Participation in Salon Evenings is a required part of the Workspace residency.
- Are there opportunities to share work with the public?
- There are opportunities to share work with the general public including presence on LMCC's website, a Works-in-Progress: Open Studios (usually coinciding with NYC art fairs), and an end-of-session Open Studio Weekend. Public events are very well attended.
- How many participants are in the program?
- Approximately 15-20 visual artists and 6-8 writers are selected for each Workspace session. Workspace receives almost 1,000 applications every session, 900 from visual artists and 100 from writers.
- How does the selection process work?
- Applicants are reviewed by selection panels comprised of arts and literary professionals, artists and writers, as well as LMCC staff. Panelists change every year. Writers and Visual Artists are reviewed by separate panels. Each panel selects a group of finalists who are then interviewed by LMCC staff.
- Can I submit works-in-progress or proposal ideas as part of my Work Sample?
- The Work Sample is a critical part of your application and should represent your best work. We recommend submitting examples of completed works and projects.
- When is the next deadline?
- There is one deadline per year for Workspace. We are currently accepting applications. The deadline for applying is Thursday, January 19, 2012, 5PM. Click here for more information.
