Swing Space Application FAQ
Application Tips
- Be specific about your project.
- Swing Space is a project-based residency program. Be sure that you have identified and described a specific project or a distinct phase of a project that you can feasibly realize within a Swing Space residency term. Be as detailed, clear, and concise as possible in your project description. Swing Space is not intended to address general or ongoing space needs.
- Address the selection criteria.
- The selection panel attentively adheres to the selection criteria when reviewing applications. Carefully consider each of the criteria, and be sure that your application addresses each of them. The selection criteria (also outlined in the Application Guidelines) are:
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- Artistic merit and professional record
- Quality of the proposed project
- Appropriateness of project for residency location
- Significance of residency for professional and artistic development
- Consider why your project is right for Swing Space.
- The spaces at Building 110: LMCC’s Arts Center at Governors Island and The Vaults at 14 Wall Street are not conventional studio or rehearsal spaces. Although Swing Space project proposals are not necessarily site-specific, you may use the Project Description and Work Plan and Space Needs sections in the Online Application to discuss the ways in which your project may respond to or be informed by its space and locale.
- Carefully choose your work sample.
- The Work Sample is a critical element of your application. The images or video/audio recordings, along with the inventory and description, should provide background and context for the panelists to get a sense of your past body of work, as well as how you plan to realize the proposed project. The Work Sample should include documentation of projects completed within the last three years. You may include 1-2 renderings of the proposed project, but the focus of your Work Sample should be past completed projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I don't live in New York City. Can I apply for Swing Space?
- Yes. We accept applications regardless of geographical location, including from international applicants. Be advised, however, that LMCC cannot assist in finding housing or making visa or travel arrangements. Applicants should be prepared and able to relocate to New York for the duration of their project.
- Can I apply under more than one project category?
- You may submit applications for different projects under different categories, but we will not award more than one residency to any single applicant. You may not submit the same project in multiple categories.
- My project is not easily categorized as Visual Arts or Performing Arts. In which category should I apply?
- Our selection panels are comprised of artists and arts professionals who are well-versed in interdisciplinary work that may not easily fall into one category; however, the Visual Arts and Performing Arts applications are reviewed separately by different panels, so you should carefully consider in which context you think your project would be best understood and assessed. Take into account the venues that have presented your work in the past, and consider the essential nature of your project. You may visit our website to see a list of past panelists in previous application cycles. Contact an Artist Residencies staff member if you are unsure which selection panel is appropriate for your application.
- I plan to hold public events in the space. Is this allowed?
- Public events outside of planned open studio/rehearsal programs may be proposed, but must be approved by LMCC staff in advance, taking into consideration the building's security and safety restrictions, and the extent to which the event may disrupt other artists' work in the space. Keep in mind that these Swing Space residencies are primarily intended to meet needs for rehearsal space and studio space, so public programs should be incidental and minimal.
- Does a Swing Space residency come with a stipend?
- LMCC is currently not able to offer stipends for Swing Space residencies.
- What if I am unable to attend an information session?
- Attending an information session is encouraged but not required. If you have specific questions after reading the Application Guidelines, please contact an Artist Residencies staff member.
- Can I build/take down a wall for my project?
- Permanent or significant structural changes to spaces are not permitted. You must remove any temporary changes to the space by the end of your Swing Space occupancy. Please let us know in your application if your project involves construction. LMCC is not able to assist with construction or build-out of spaces, which are provided in "as-is" condition.
- Is there a phone in the space? Internet?
- Yes, wireless internet access and a phone line are provided at both 14 Wall Street and Building 110: LMCC’s Arts Center.
- Is secure storage space available?
- Secure storage options are available at both spaces. LMCC and LMCC's space donors are not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal items or artwork.
- What should I do if I will be away for part of the session in which my project may be placed?
- Please be sure to include any planned vacations or other absences in your application. Once offered a space, you are expected to be able to make full use of the residency. Concurrent residencies or significant absences during your occupancy will need to be discussed and approved by LMCC staff before your Swing Space residency begins; your residency offer may be rescinded if you will not be able to fully take advantage of the occupancy term.
- Is it possible to extend or renew my residency?
- No. Swing Space residencies cannot be extended or renewed. Past Swing Space and Workspace artists are not eligible again for placement until 12 months after the completion of their prior residency, and they must reapply with a new project.
- If I am granted a studio at Building 110: LMCC’s Arts Center at Governors Island, can I place an installation or have a performance outside at Governors Island?
- LMCC may be able to assist in coordinating permission for the siting of installations or performances on the Island outside of Building 110; however, the approval process may be lengthy and permission may not be granted by GIPEC and the National Park Service, the governing entities of the Island. Keep in mind that residencies at Building 110: LMCC’s Arts Center provide a studio only, and any additional access to space or presenting opportunities cannot be guaranteed.
- Can I get access to off-limits buildings and areas on Governors Island for my project?
- LMCC may be able to assist in coordinating escorted access to restricted areas of the Island; however, we are not able to guarantee this access, and your project should not rely on this access being granted.
- How are artists chosen for the rehearsal studios at Building 110: LMCC’s Arts Center?
- Rehearsal studios at Building 110: LMCC’s Arts Center are used for short-term intensive residencies granted to performing artists and arts groups selected by LMCC staff through an invitation/nomination process. Please contact Artist Residencies staff for more information.
