ARTISTS ALLIANCE
LOWER EAST SIDE-ROTATING STUDIO PROGRAM (LES-RSP)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Who can apply?
A:
• This program is open to underrepresented emerging and mid-career artists
from all cultural backgrounds and disciplines - painting, photography, sculpture,
video, installation and digital art will be accepted.
• Only artists who are current legal residents of the US are eligible to apply.
• Artists currently without a studio are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Students currently enrolled in a college or university program, including
summer programs, are not eligible.

Q: When is the deadline for applications?
A: Applications must be received by May 3, 2011. THIS IS NOT A POSTMARK
DEADLINE. They can be received by regular mail or hand delivered to Cuchifritos
Gallery/Project Space during regular gallery hours (Tuesday-Sunday 12-6pm).
Applications sent by certified mail or with a required signature will not be accepted.

Q: Are international artists with work-permits eligible to apply?
A: If applicants have legal residence in the United States, they are eligible. If selected,
proof of documentation will be required.

Q: I am a current MFA student, but will no longer be by the period of the
residency. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, as long as the program has completely finished by the time the residency
begins. In your application, select the residency session that meets these requirements.

Q: How are residents selected?
A: Decisions are made based on artistic merit and proposed projects or ideas.

Q: How is work presented to the panel?
A: Images are projected, sequentially. Please keep this in mind when ordering your
submitted images.

Q: Who is on the selection panel?
A: The panel is comprised of arts professionals as well as past AAI residents and artists.

Q: Are web-based projects acceptable?
A: There will not be internet access during the selection panel and therefore web-based
projects will not viewable. Any web-based images must be submitted with the application
as PDFs.

Q: How long is the residency?
A: There are two different residency sessions (July-December and January-June), each
lasting six months.

Q: Is there a stipend for residents?
A: There is a modest stipend for materials available depending on available funds.

Q: Does AAI provide live space?
A: No, this is a workspace-only residency.

Q: Where is the workspace located?
A: Workspace is located on the 4th floor of 107 Suffolk Street in New York’s Lower East
Side. Studios are shared between four artists and are each approx 170 sq ft and
partitioned without a door.

Q: What is the studio space equipped with?
A: The Studio spaces are equipped with:
• A desk and chair
• Wireless Internet Access
• Access to a slop sink
• Some small storage space
• 24 hour access, 7 days a week
• There is heat, but keep in mind studio space is in an old building, so temperature
conditions can be variable.
• Open studio spaces are workspaces only and technique-specific facilities are not
available.
• Studios are open by appt. to the public by AAI.

Q: Is there access to facilities for electronic, digital, and new media artists?
A: Unfortunately, not at this time. Residencies are a workspace only opportunity.

Q: Is there disabled access for the studio spaces?
A: The studios are located on the 4th floor and at this time there is no elevator in the
building. However, this opportunity is open to artists with disabilities and plans will be
made to accommodate any special requirements.

Q: Is there a freight elevator for large-scale artworks?
A: No, the space is suitable only for artworks that can be carried up four flights of stairs.

Q: Apart from 24/7 access to studio space, what are the benefits for artists-inresidence?
A:
• Opportunities to present works to curators, critics, arts professionals, and the
general public.
• An annual exhibition of LES-RSP residents, selected by a guest curator, is
presented at Cuchifritos, AAI’s gallery and project space located in the
historic Essex Street market.
• Artists-in-residence will be listed on the website and will have access to other
working artists in the building.

Q: Are there opportunities to share work with the public?
A: Yes, open-studios will take place during each session, as well as an annual
exhibition of LES-RSP residents, selected by a guest curator, presented at Cuchifritos,
AAI’s gallery and project space located in the Essex Street market. There are also
occasional tours with prior notification.

Still have questions? Please email info@aai-nyc.org

Contact AAI office with questions: 212-420-9202. info@aai-nyc.org The office is open part-time. Please be patient with any requests for information. For visitors with disabilities, please contact CSV Cultural & Education Center House Mangement: 646-358-7282 or
Security:646-358-7305 on or before arrival. If no-one is immediately available please call Felicity Hogan: 718-902-6767. Thank you.