“Opportunity to Apply for Rent-Free Studio Space in Brooklyn via the Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program”
## The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program: A Yearlong Residency Supporting Visual Artists in Brooklyn
Since its inception in 1991, the **Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program** has been dedicated to fostering the creative process of visual artists by providing rent-free studio space and a nurturing community. Based in the vibrant DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, this prestigious residency program has become a sought-after opportunity, renowned for its emphasis on artistic merit and its commitment to supporting working artists.
### What is the Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program?
The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program awards **17 visual artists** rent-free studio spaces for an entire year—September to August—enabling them to fully engage with their practice without the burden of studio rental costs. For the **2025–2026 residency period**, the program will run from **September 2025 through August 2026**, with an **open studios weekend** scheduled for spring 2026. This event allows the public to view the artists’ works in progress, engage with the artists, and gain insight into their creative processes.
### Why the DUMBO Neighborhood?
Situated in one of Brooklyn’s most iconic and artistically inclined neighborhoods, the studios are surrounded by an inspiring mix of **art galleries, independent restaurants, shops, and creative professionals**. With close proximity to public parks, the waterfront, and excellent public transit options, DUMBO offers residents not only convenience but also a dynamic environment brimming with artistic and cultural activity.
The studio spaces themselves are designed to meet the needs of working artists. Accessible **24/7**, they feature **high ceilings** and **freight and passenger elevator access**, providing an ideal setting for artists to work on projects of various scales and mediums.
### A History of Commitment to Artists
For over three decades, the Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program has been a cornerstone of the New York City art scene, offering a space where emerging and established artists alike can thrive. Founded in 1991, the program has built a reputation as a crucial support system within the arts community by facilitating the creation of experimental, boundary-pushing work. By maintaining a **free studio model**, the program ensures that resources are channeled directly into the artistic practice of its residents.
### How Are Artists Selected?
Each year, applicants undergo a highly competitive selection process conducted by a panel of distinguished professionals from the art world, including **previous artist residents, jury members, and members of the Artists Advisory Committee.** Selection is merit-based, focusing on the quality of the artist’s work, their potential for growth, and their alignment with the program’s mission.
The program is open to visual artists working in a wide range of mediums—painting, sculpture, photography, installation, video, mixed media, and beyond. The goal is to create a community of diverse voices that enriches the shared studio experience.
### Benefits of the Residency
The benefits of the Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program go far beyond the physical studio itself. Residents gain access to:
– **A Creative Community:** The program fosters collaboration, networking, and dialogue among residents.
– **Professional Development:** The opportunity to showcase work during the open studios weekend connects artists with collectors, curators, and the greater arts community.
– **Focus and Flexibility:** With no rental costs or space limitations, artists have the freedom to pursue ambitious projects without financial stress.
– **Proximity to NYC’s Art Scene:** Located in Brooklyn and just a stone’s throw away from Manhattan, residents are ideally situated to engage with galleries, museums, and events in and around New York City.
### Application Details for 2025–2026
The application process for the **2025–2026 Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program** is now open, with the **deadline set for Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM (EST).** Artists interested in applying must submit a portfolio, artist statement, and application materials online via the program’s official website.
Applicants are encouraged to highlight their creative vision, previous work, and how their practice could flourish within the program. Selected artists will be notified after careful review by the jury panel.
**To learn more and submit your application, visit [thestudioprogram.com/apply](http://thestudioprogram.com/apply).**
### Conclusion
The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program continues to be a beacon of support for visual artists, offering an unparalleled opportunity to create, collaborate, and grow without the financial burdens that so often accompany studio costs in New York City. By pairing excellent facilities with a dynamic location, the program not only invests in individual artists but also enriches the broader arts community.
Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, or digital artist, this is your chance to immerse yourself in an inspiring environment that celebrates artistic innovation and excellence. Don’t miss the chance