Housing galleries and studios, ArtCenter/South Florida is situated on a bright and bustling corner of Miami Beach's Lincoln Road. Inside, passersby can watch artists creating in their studios and purchase work from the makers directly. The gallery/studio space offers plenty of foot traffic and visibility year-round, and it attracts thick crowds during Art Basel Miami Beach. The center also offers subsidized workspace to nearly 50 long-term art residents and a handful of short-termers.
Emerging talents are juried into the ArtCenter/South Florida's residency program by a panel of current artists-in-residence, art professionals, and board members. The studios are subsidized, so artists-in-residence only pay a small amount in rent. The program is currently accepting submissions for their next residency program. Applicants will be judged by the strength of the applicant's work and artist statements.
According to ArtCenter Executive Director Jeremy Chestler, "We're looking for artists in all stages of their career development." He noted, "We're giving artists an opportunity to advance their careers through affordable studio space, interaction with the public, and professional workshops. Artists have gone on to be part of the Whitney Biennial and to be successful commercial artists."
We spoke with Venessa Monokian, who has been an artist-in-residence at the ArtCenter for three years. "It's helped me to branch into other mediums outside of what I was working with before I was at the ArtCenter. It's given me a working space and other artists with whom I can not only collaborate on projects, but also who provide me with feedback."
Of the staff, she noted, "They are very supportive and always find ways to help us grow both artistically and as business people." There are also teaching and exhibition opportunities for those accepted. Whereas a traditional gallery will take 50 percent of the profit made from work sold, the ArtCenter doesn't take a cut from artists-in-residence.
The deadline is April 1, 2011, and applications are available at the ArtCenter/ South Florida (800 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach). Call 305-674-827 or visit artcentersf.org.
