Who can apply?

These studios are for “fine artists,” as evidenced by an element of independent esthetic judgment and self-directed work, not just on a commercial, industrial or work for hire basis.

Usually that means an artist creates work in the following mediums: art books, ceramics, comic art, conceptual art, digital art, drawing, fashion, fiber, furniture, glass, installation, jewelry, mixed media, multi-media, new media, painting, performance, photography, pottery, printmaking, sculpture, or video.

How do I show that I’m a working artist?

All applicants must submit up to eight images of work they’ve made in the past 12 months—we aren’t making any value judgements on your work, we just have to verify that you have an active studio practice! In addition, you’ll be required to submit ONE of the following:

• A letter from from an established individual in the arts, such as a curator, gallerist, art critic or art historian stating that the applicant is a working fine art artist.

• A curriculum vitae or resume outlining your artistic activity (educational background, professional training, public exhibitions and/or performances, critical reviews, grants, awards, residencies or fellowships) showing no less than 3-years of active work in your creative field and indicating current activity (publications, exhibitions, reviews, etc.) within the past 12- months.

• A statement and biography (of no fewer than 100 words) about your current practice, including what kind of work you make and from where you currently work.

What steps will I need to take?

1. First, you’ll complete an online application. Your application must be approved before it can be included in the selection process. After approval your application will be locked and cannot be further edited.

2. Then, you’ll be entered into a lottery, which prioritizes displaced artists and artists that declare they are a member of an underserved community.

3. After that, the top candidates will be interviewed by members of the Arts Gowanus staff and/or artist advisory board and the candidates will be reviewed by an anonymous local artist committee.

4. If selected, you’ll be introduced to the property owners and assisted through the lease process by Arts Gowanus. Your lease will be with the property owner – not with Arts Gowanus.

How the lottery works:

Artists who have certified that they were previously displaced from the neighborhood will be weighted most heavily in the randomization algorithm of approved applicants. Applicants that have self-certified that they are a member of an underrepresented community will also be prioritized in the weighted random algorithm.

Interviews:

Based on the top list of candidates provided by the randomized lottery, members of the Arts Gowanus staff and/or artist advisory board will conduct brief interviews, to be held remotely, with potential artist-tenants. Interviews will not exceed 15 minutes, and will focus on applicants’ commitment to their art practice and willingness to engage with and foster an inclusive and equitable arts community in the neighborhood.

*After the Arts Gowanus approval/lottery process, the final determination will be made by the property owner/landlord. They may request and/or require an application, that then may trigger a background report and/or credit checks.