Have you ever wanted to be an artist, but could not afford to support your artistic dreams? Fear no more Staten Islanders. There is a new artist residency program available that has not been available for six years at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. The program aptly called the Snug Harbor Artists Residency Program (SHARP), will be revamped and the begin providing workspace and living quarters to emerging artists in April.
“We are thrilled,” said Lynn Kelly, president and CEO of the Harbor to The Staten Island Advance. “SHARP will bring new energy to the campus and we are certain that our historic structures and stunning grounds will be an inspiration to artists.”
Residencies for artists had been a nearly 20-year tradition on the 83-acre grounds until 2006, when the previous administration discontinued the program.
At the time, it had been a well-publicized and popular feature of the Harbor’s Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art. Previous alumni, like Canadian sculptor Evan Penny, who spent several months at the Harbor in 1991, went on to enjoy international success.
A more recent alumna, Kyoko Sera, is included currently in a show at Japan Society.
SHARP is open to residents of New York state. A downloadable application is available at www.snug-harbor.org/access. The deadline for applications is Feb. 29.
Resident artists will inhabit one of the cottages on the grounds. These late 19th-century houses were used by resident staff during the complex’s long history (1831-1976) as a retirement home for seafarers.
Residencies, intended for two artists per rotation, will last eight weeks. During this time, awardees will be encouraged to produce new art and show work in exhibition areas on the grounds.
SHARP participants will be introduced to visiting curators, dealers and other artists in an effort to help them to navigate the challenges of a career in contemporary art. Participants will receive stipends of $1,000 and a rent-free stay on the grounds.
SHARP is being underwritten in part by a $60,000 two-year grant from the Edward and Sally Van Lier Fellowship of the New York Community Trust, city Department of Cultural Affairs and Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation.
So don't be shy Staten Island artists and apply!
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