“There she lies, the great Melting-Pot—Listen! Can't you hear the roaring and the bubbling? There gapes her mouth, the harbor where a thousand mammoth feeders come from the ends of the world to pour in their human freight”

-Israel Zangwill, The Melting Pot (1908)

New York City is known historically as a city of immigrants, and today it continues to be. The latest city-wide census cited over 37% of the population identifying as foreign born – the highest percentage in over 100 years.

Engaging Artists honors and supports this vital part of the community by offering a residency program open exclusively to foreign-born and first-generation American artists. Participating artists will engage in long-term volunteer projects to connect with seniors and aging populations in their community and cross-culturally.

Artists will be provided free professional development, a collaborative workspace, as well as art show and grant opportunities. A speaker program will offer the artists context, insight, and connections with professionals in the fields of fine art and activism. Studio project nights will offer the artists collaborative art projects to work together on and/ or spur new ideas for each artist’s individual practice. Workshops will meet on Tuesdays 7pm - 10pm from May 26th to June 30th. 24-hour Studio space available in June and July. There will be additional meetings with one on one curatorial support on Thursdays and two final meetings in August and September. The grant deadline for project proposals will be on October 15th.

The program encourages local artists to deepen their understanding of socially engaged art through direct action involving volunteer opportunities and interactive weekly workshops. During a six-week period, participants will be required to volunteer at least a half a day per week at local cultural organizations, organizations that serve seniors, in particular immigrant seniors. Artists will have the chance to propose their own volunteer project, if they so choose. More Art will provide introductions to organizations and help artists establish and seek out new partnerships. Volunteering is a direct action that will also provide artists with inspiration for artmaking, which will be encouraged in the artists’ collaborative workspace. The program will culminate in an art show and a chance to apply for a grant to further the work created during the program. Selected artists must commit to attend the full speaker program and studio project night series (see timeline below). This program is provided free of cost to artists.

Artists who are foreign born or first generation Americans are eligible for the program. Preference will be given to artists who identify strongly with their homeland or parents’ homeland and have found unique ways to connect and keep their culture alive in New York City. Though a strong background in community organizing and involvement is preferred, it is not required. Artists who want to further their relationship with their culture and the many cultures present in New York are encouraged to apply.

Engaging Artists is a socially-conscious residency program whose theme changes annually. Last year, the theme was homelessness, and 15 artists were selected to volunteer in homeless shelters in partnering organizations all across the city. It is estimated that 3000 New Yorkers were served during the run of the program. To learn more about last year’s program, please visit: www.moreart.org/projects/engaging-artists

Application Instructions