12 Gates Street | Utica
NY 13502
United States
Sculpture Space
OUR MISSION
Sculpture Space, is an international residency program, providing specialized studio workspace for professional artists whose focus is sculpture. We are dedicated to the belief that art, particularly sculpture, has the power to strengthen understanding of the world. We are committed to providing artists with time and resources to fully explore their creative potential. Sculpture Space seeks to expand public awareness of and support for contemporary art by creating opportunities for artists to share their work with the community through exhibitions, lectures, and educational outreach.
AN ARTIST FOCUSED RESIDENCY
Each year we invite up to twenty-four of the brightest and best sculptors to Sculpture Space in Utica, New York. Each selected artist receives the benefit of $7000 in support for their two-month stay here. Importantly, 80% of Sculpture Space’s total expenditures directly benefit our visiting artists.
To break down this $7,000 support: 37% provides free residential housing one-block from our studio: 46% provides twenty-four hour access to a private studio in our 5,500 sqft sculpting studio; and 7% outfit the studio with with tools and basic supplies. Additionally, we have recently increased a direct monetary stipend to $750 which directly supports living/art expenses while in residence.
Sculpture Space puts the artist first with the continued goal of providing the most supportive environment for our visiting artists.
RESIDENCY PROGRAM
We select up to twenty-five sculptors each year. These sculptors are reviewed by committee and determined to possess an innovated approach and high level of talent in sculpture, worthy of the award of a residency spot at Sculpture Space. The Sculpture Space Review Committee and selected guest panelists make these selections from the hundreds of applications received each season. The primary criteria are quality, originality and potential for growth. Artists are requested to credit and acknowledge Sculpture Space when the work that they make here is subsequently exhibited or published, and to provide high quality images of their work for our website, archives, publications and grant applications. In addition, we require artists donate an artwork to be sold at our annual CHAIRity Art Auction, benefiting Sculpture Space programming.
The Residency
Residencies are scheduled in two month cohort blocks between February and November with no more than six artists in residency at one time. Artists are expected to stay and work for a full two-month period. Residents have access to the studio 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are responsible for their own materials, specialized tools, fees for work done outside the premises, and for an assistant, should they require one. Residents typically spend approximately $1,000 per month on materials and expenses. A basic command of the English language is necessary. Bicycles are available for artists’ use; other transportation arrangements may be made with Sculpture Space staff if needed. Arrangements may be made with the Studio Manager for occasional assistance with transporting materials.
Sculpture Space’s Studio Manager will provide an introductory orientation session and can provide technical assistance as needed. Sculpture Space facilities and grounds can accommodate a great variety of projects, both in terms of materials and scale. The City of Utica and community are supportive of community-based site-specific work. The public is invited to quarterly Works-in-Progress Receptions; other visits occur by appointment. As desired, artists and arts professionals (including curators and writers) are invited for informal studio visits.
Housing
Housing is provided for free to selected artists.Located one block from the studio the residents live in private, furnished bedrooms with shared fully-equipped kitchen, living space, four bathrooms and washer/dryer. Kitchen appliances include dishwasher, coffee makers, slow cooker, rice cookers, blenders and food processor. Artists are responsible for their own meals. Bed linens and towels are provided. No pets are allowed in the studio or the artists’ apartment.
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The Studio
The studio is located in West Utica, close to downtown, in proximity to light industry and various fabrication shops. The collaborative environment of the studio and the communal aspects of the residence help foster dialogue, exchange of ideas, creative experimentation and both personal and professional connections. The facility consists of 5,500 square feet of open studio, and five foot private studios for special projects. The space is outfitted with concrete floors, a two ton system of traveling hoists, and extra wide overhead doors. The studio and house have wireless access; artists may borrow available digital equipment. The ¾ acres of land surrounding the building can supplement indoor studio space in the summer. An outdoor work pad is equipped with a 50' monorail hoist. Artists should bring their own goggles, hand tools and specialized equipment. For a complete list of available tools and equipment, please see the Facilities and Equipment page.Â