LAIR
1. a place where a wild animal lives, especially a fierce or dangerous one.

The Loisaida Artists in Residence (LAIR) is intentional on its plurality, together, artists work better. This multidisciplinary dynamic artistic residency program has a local focus yet is universal in scope; selection criteria support projects that explore upon a shared LatinX, multi-cultural sensibility and reflect the diversity of our city.

LAIR supports a community of independent creators, artists, makers, and cultural producers and the geographical constituency of Loisaida, the Caribbean, and the Global South. The program works as a breeding space to afford community access to unique programming, resources, exhibition, and media production space while offering grantees opportunities to develop and present their work.

Produce and share your work that builds bridges across generations, communities, and cultures. Engage the Loisaida community in the themes of the work-in-progress by hosting a choice of monthly artist talks, flash exhibits, or story circles that deepen communal bonds, nurture emerging artists and give voice to the strength, vitality, history, and aspirations of Loisaida residents.

Public engagement components could culminate in an exhibition and/or short play series inspired by the discussions, stories, images and/ or objects shared through the residency. Cultivate relationships that we hope will extend beyond the LAIR to create a lasting symbiotic relationship that nurtures invited artists, the Loisaida Center, and the communities we serve. Loisaida provides a platform for contemporary and emerging artists and collectives that are inclusive of a LatinX sensibility, working in various disciplines such as; music, theater, performance art, poetry, contemporary dance, visual arts, creative writing, cultural research, and more.

The program will provide the community with a unique point of view and access to socially engaged neighborhood revitalization activities and contemporary art practices while providing opportunities for artists and collectives to develop and present their work.

Applications are accepted on a rolling open-call basis. To apply to our residency program, please fill out this form.

The selected proposals include components in which artists and the community nurture one another in a symbiotic education and art creation process to share their work and inspire conversation and innovation throughout the residency. Loisaida’s artistic residency program will award a stipend to the recipient to cover project materials and related expenses. It will provide space for rehearsal/practice/creation while organizing supporting events and/or activities open and accessible to the larger community.

The ability to change has always been connected to the im/migrants that have populated the Lower East Side. Thus, there is a focus on affecting new thinking inside a re-connected and/or disconnected community that seeks to create change. Is the connection or disconnection between native, migrant, and immigrant communities a “place” or “territory” to be explored?

LAIR recipients can use different areas throughout our facilities, including the new Media and Technology resources to support their project goals. Always opening the development or rehearsal process of the project to the Loisaida community, providing opportunities for creative and civic engagement.

Past residents include:

Loisaida Artistic Residency Program This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Stonewall Foundation, Ford Foundation, the MOSAIC Foundation of the New York Community Trust and the Howard Gilman Foundatio, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul in partnership with the New York State Arts Council, NYSCA.¡Gracias!