LES Studio Program FAQ

Application Submission

When is your next Open Call?

Each application is announced through the Artists Alliance newsletter. Please sign up for our mailing list in the footer of our website in order to learn our next deadline.

How do I submit an application? 

If we have an active residency open call, visit www.artistsallianceinc.org and follow the instructions online.

How can I become a resident? 

Artists Alliance Inc. supports four residencies a year through two open calls offered in the winter and summer. The guidelines for the residency application process are made available on the Artists Alliance Inc website when the open calls are announced and posted in the residency section of the website. Applications will not be considered outside of the open call period.

Is there a time limit to the videos that I can submit with my application?

While there isn’t a time limit, we do suggest that you note on your Image List the time or times that you would like our panelist to review. Our panelists will generally review 2-3 minutes of each video submission.

Is it necessary to have a website to complete the application?

No. If you don’t have a website, you’re welcome to submit a link to one of your relevant social media profiles.

Can you expand on the 10 work samples requirement?

We ask that you submit a total of 10 work samples with your application. This can include 10 image files or 10 URLs, or a combination of both. If you are including URLs, that can be direct links to your work that is based online (ie. audio or video-based work on sites like YouTube or Vimeo). 

Please note that your total work samples, regardless of the method of submission, cannot exceed 10 total.

Restrictions, Eligibility, and Requirements

Are there any material restrictions in the studio space?

Residents are not permitted to use flammable or hazardous materials in the studio space. The studios are inside a 125-year old building, which is not equipped with the needed ventilation systems to filter toxic materials. 

Do you have an academic requirement? 

There are no academic requirements; however, applicants cannot be enrolled in an academic program while participating in the residency.

The application says that applicants cannot be enrolled in an academic program while participating in the residency. Does the restriction also apply to PhDs? 

No, it doesn’t. PhDs can apply so long as residents agree to use the studio on average no less than 20 hours per week and to inform AAI if they will not be using the studio for more than a total of 21 days during the residency period.

Do you accept applications from collectives?

We are open to collectives, as long as the group has a common proposal and you and your collaborators are comfortable sharing one studio space. We also ask that the group be mindful of the artists working in the larger shared space. In addition, the monthly stipend given to eligible residents would be shared amongst the group.

Is there a limit to the number of artists in a group/collective that can apply? 

While there is no specific limit on the number of artists, the group/collective should be aware that the larger studio room is shared between four artists. The individual studio space is approximately 170 square feet and partitioned without a door. 

Is there a minimum number of years that one has to be working as an artist in order to be eligible for a residency (i.e. 2-10 years or 5+ years of being active and producing work)? 

There is no minimum requirement. We only ask that applicants are not enrolled in an academic program while participating in the residency program.

Are applicants allowed to apply more than once? 

Yes, applicants are allowed to apply as many times as they want; however, only one application per applicant can be submitted to each open call. Duplicate submissions to the same open call period will not be considered.

Do I need to have a specific project in mind before I apply?

No. We look at your overall body of work, whether or not you’re planning any specific projects, though we do want to hear how you will make use of the studio space and the resources within the program.

What about ceramic-based practices?

Yes! Artists working across all disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Do you accept applications from artists based outside of New York?

Yes, we do. National and international artists are encouraged to apply; however, please note that we are not currently able to offer travel reimbursement. We recommend that internationally-based artists accepted into the residency program make contact with their nearest United States Consulate or Embassy shortly after receiving their acceptance letter.

If you are a new New York City resident, can you still qualify for a stipend?

Unfortunately, we are not able to advise applicants on how to establish residency within New York State. You can consult the New York State website to learn more about your resident status by following this link: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/pit_definitions.htm

Facility

Is the studio big enough for dance/movement-based practices?

We are open to proposals from artists working in all media; however, do note that each studio space is 170 square feet, which can feel limited for larger productions. For productions that require more room, we can help arrange for discounted rehearsal space inside of the Clemente building.

Do you offer WiFi?

Yes. Each studio is provided with high-speed WiFi service.

Is the studio a live/work space?

No. The studio is a workspace only. Artists Alliance Inc. doesn’t provide accommodation for its residents and is not able to advise applicants on the cost of living.

Is it possible to find a living space near the studios?

The studios are located in the Lower East Side neighborhood, which would be an ideal location if you prefer short commutes between home and studio. However, where one chooses to live while in the residency program is an entirely personal decision.

Financial

How much does it cost to apply?

There is no fee to apply or participate in the residency program. Studio space is awarded free of charge to selected artists.

Is there a separate application for the monthly stipend?

No. If you are a New York State resident, please check the appropriate box on the application form and you will be automatically eligible for the monthly stipend.

How much is the monthly stipend for New York State residents?

Presently, the stipend is $500 per month.

Residency Structure

Do you organize any field trips?

We mostly base our program on the activity of the artists in their studios, so we focus more on scheduling studio visits and having art professionals come to Artists Alliance Inc. That being said, we are always open to new ideas.

Is there a minimum number of hours that the resident has to spend in the studio? Residents agree to use the studio on average no less than 20 hours per week and to inform AAI if they will not be using the studio for more than a total of 21 days during the residency period.