NARS Foundation (New York Art Residency and Studios)
Images by NARS Foundation (New York Art Residency and Studios)
About
The New York Art Residency and Studios (NARS) Foundation Artist in Residency Program, based in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, offers three and six-month residencies for emerging and mid-career artists and curators from both the U.S. and internationally. The program provides 24/7 access to furnished, private or shared studio spaces (250 – 300 sq ft) and focuses on the artistic process and experimentation within a diverse artist community. Residents benefit from meetings with 3-4 Studio Visitors each month, gaining feedback and expanding their professional network. They also receive administrative, curatorial, and professional support to explore and expand their artistic practice. Presentation opportunities include a curated exhibition in the NARS gallery, bi-annual Open Studios, and the Entree/Encore program for sharing research and work through various formats. The residency fosters a community-driven program, encouraging ongoing dialogue with fellow artists through weekly gatherings, inter-studio visits, field trips, and meals. Residents work alongside NYC-based artists who retain space year-round, benefiting from exposure to New York’s cultural and sociopolitical context.
Rating Breakdown
Reviews(3)
The director of NARS, Junho, is verbally abusive to his staff and to artists. He micromanages all aspects of the residency and the gallery. Artists are told to ask permission before making even a single hole in their studio walls. Staff were rarely able to answer any questions I had as a resident without first checking with Junho. I have kept in touch with some of the wonderful people I met through NARS, and many have shocking horror stories about how they were treated by Junho. The studios are very noisy and poorly maintained, there is no common space for artists to gather, and very little resources offered to artists. (There are no basic tools available, and artists were asked to purchase their own paint to repaint studio walls before they left, for instance.)
I paid for studio space, and it was worth it. Having regular studio visits with professionals and connected with artists from different backgrounds, helped expand my ideas. Plus, events like visiting museums with fellow residents were amazing experiences too.
NARS was a great opportunity for me to be in NYC and experience being part of an art community in the city. The core of the program are the studio visits that were very diverse and helpful.