rent-free studio space in nyc

BolsterArts is a selective studio residency for visual artists with distinct, developed practices. Each year, the program supports three cohorts of two artists, offering rent-free studio space in Chinatown, New York City for four months. For the 2027 cycle, the residency dates are:

Cohort 07: January 1 to April 30, 2027
Cohort 08: May 1 to August 31, 2027
Cohort 09: September 1 to December 31, 2027

Each resident receives monthly one-on-one studio visits with curators, writers, gallerists, or other arts professionals, totaling four visits per artist. The program also includes public-facing opportunities, including an Open Studios event BolsterArts is designed for artists seeking focused studio time, critical exchange, and meaningful professional visibility in New York.

The residency studio is located in Chinatown, New York City, near the B/D trains at Grand St and the N/Q/R/W/6 trains at Canal St.

The studio is approximately 360 square feet, roughly 12 by 25 feet, and is located on the fourth floor of a walk-up building with no elevator.The space is shared by two artists in each cohort. Residents have 24/7 studio access.