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 studio, rehearsal or office 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:
-
- Artistic merit and professional record
- Quality of proposed project
- Project feasibility
- Appropriateness of project for temporary space
- Significance of temporary space grant for professional and artistic development
- Consider why your project is right for Swing Space.
- The spaces awarded through the Swing Space program are not conventional studio, rehearsal, office, exhibition or performance spaces, and all are currently located in Lower Manhattan. Although Swing Space project proposals are not technically site-specific (since our spaces are constantly changing, we do not accept requests for specific spaces), you may use the Project Description and Reason for Seeking Temporary Space 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 description on your Work Sample Cover Sheet, should provide background and context for the panelists to get a sense of your past body of work, as well as how you might 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
- How many applicants are matched with space?
- In the past six months, we have awarded spaces to approximately 35 Development Space and Office Space projects and approximately 5 Presentation Space projects, from a total applicant pool of approximately 200. Due to the changing availability of real estate downtown, the number of spaces available at any given time varies.
- 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. Furthermore, because of the short-term nature of our space donations, we sometimes are able to offer no more than one month's notice before a project residency begins, so applicants who will need to relocate to New York should take this short notice into account when considering the feasibility 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 Swing Space 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 a Swing Space staff member if you are unsure which selection panel is appropriate for your application.
- Can I apply for Presentation Space to mount a solo exhibition of my photographs/paintings/etc.?
- No. Swing Space is intended to provide space for the development or presentation of new work, and to encourage creative, experimental and collaborative approaches to artistic practice in unconventional spaces. Applications from individual artists in the Presentation Space category should describe projects with an active relationship with the space; group exhibitions that include previously completed works should present the works in a new and dynamic way. Solo exhibitions of previously completed works will not be considered.
- I am applying for Development Space, and plan to hold public events in the space. Is this allowed?
- Public events outside of planned open studio/rehearsal programs are encouraged, 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. If public events are central to your project, please consider applying in the Presentation Space category.
- I'm a promoter. Can I apply to host a party?
- Commercial programs are not eligible for the Swing Space. If you have a question about the appropriateness of your project, please contact a Swing Space staff member.
- What if I need more money than the available stipend for my project? Can I appeal for additional funds?
- Any expenses beyond the awarded stipend amount must be covered by the applicant. Applicants for Presentation Space must demonstrate in the budget section of the application that sufficient funding is in place to realize the project.
- Can I apply to host a benefit for my arts organization?
- Programs must be open to the general public and provide a significant opportunity for presentation of an artistic work or cultural program. Events presented solely as fundraisers for future programs are not eligible for the Swing Space program.
- 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 a Swing Space staff member.
- Can I specify a particular space for my project?
- No. Applications are accepted and reviewed based on the type of project proposed. Thoroughly answer all of the questions in the online application form, and we will attempt to find a space suitable for your needs.
- 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?
- Wireless internet access and one phone line are provided in most Development and Office spaces; we are usually unable to provide internet and phone service in Presentation spaces. Furthermore, the reliability of internet connections vary, and LMCC is unable to guarantee consistent internet in spaces outfitted with internet service.
- Is secure storage space available?
- Secure storage availability varies. LMCC and LMCC's space donors are not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal items or artwork.
- Do the spaces provide access to windows? Ventilation? Slop sinks?
- Access to windows and ventilation in our spaces varies. Most shared studio spaces have windows, but each studio does not necessarily have its own window. Windows in many high-rise buildings cannot be opened for safety reasons. Projects that create noxious fumes or cause noticeable odors to emanate from the space are not permitted. Rehearsal spaces often do not have windows. All spaces have bathrooms with sinks. Please specify window, ventilation and slop sink requirements in the application form.
- What should I do if I will be away for part of the period in which my project may be matched with an available space?
- Please be sure to include any planned vacations or other absences in your application. These absences will be considered when matching applicants with appropriate spaces. If a space becomes available and we are unable to reach you after repeated attempts over one week, the space may be offered to another applicant. Once matched with 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 the occupancy period or renew my Swing Space award?
- No. Swing Space occupancy periods cannot be extended and awards cannot be renewed. Past Swing Space grantees are not eligible again for placement until one year after their prior residency, and they must reapply with a new project.
- What if I have a technical difficulty on the day of my event–will someone be there to help me?
- LMCC will try to make a representative available for all events to address space and building issues. However, all public programs and performances are self-produced by the applicant. If your project has technological needs, you should provide your own audio/visual technician, live sound engineer, or other necessary staff.
