The three-month Genspace Artist in Residence (AIR) program will support artists at the beginning of their investigation into the connections between the microbial world and their creative practice. The AIR program is designed for artists who want to devote intensive time to delving into biology's tools, knowledge, and techniques and exploring the intersection between science and the arts, a field known as BioArt. The AIR program will provide scientific mentoring, access to laboratory facilities, classes, a welcoming and active Genspace community, and a stipend. AIRs will receive support to share their work with the general public and the Genspace community through public programming and an exhibition. 

The techniques of the biology lab have increasingly become part of the general culture and the field of BioArt, which has become an established discipline. BioArtists combine biological sciences with artistic investigation techniques and are often motivated by a desire to connect audiences to a more profound understanding of the natural world, question technology’s role in society, and approach urgent problems through innovative means. A painting made in collaboration with bacteria, a sculpture carved from mycelium, jewelry made with algae, and a performance piece that involves genetic manipulation are all examples of BioArt. See our website for more examples.

First row from left: SCOBY leather, (rest of first row) Biogenetic Blooms by Karen Ingram;  Second row from left: Biogenetic Blooms by Karen Ingram, Scorched Honey Archive-Residues, John Roach, John Roach, Quiet Lights by Laura Kung; Third row from left: The Light in Me, Sees the Light in You by Lolo Ostia, Mycelium forms by the Genspace Biomaterials Studio, Bioglass by Fan Kong, Biomaterial forms

Genspace is uniquely suited to support the needs of interdisciplinary artists who work with biological techniques because of the “maker culture” of our lab and the mix of experts able to provide guidance to artists’ projects. The tools and techniques of the biology lab have increasingly become part of the general culture, and the field of BioArt, where artists combine techniques from the biological sciences with artistic investigation, has become an established discipline. 

Some examples of BioArtists who have worked at Genspace:

Lolo Ostia, Elaine Young, Karen ingram, Aradhita Parampsuria, Fan Kong, Sally Kong

We are accepting project proposals that combine an artistic vision with biological lab work. Previous laboratory experience is optional - all scientific knowledge and experience levels are welcome.

Applicant criteria: 

1. Must have at least 3 years of experience in their artistic field 

2. Must be 25+ years of age 

3. Must be a resident of New York City or the tri-state area: NY, NJ, CT (the AIR program does not provide housing) 

4. One AIR position is reserved for a South Brooklyn artist

Please submit project proposals that combine an artistic vision with biological lab work.  How does your artistic idea push the boundaries of bioart? We are looking for proposals that are less about the final product and more about the art-science process and the relationship with your proposed biological organisms.

Previous laboratory experience is optional - all scientific knowledge and experience levels are welcome.

The AIR program will support two artists for three months (September - early December 2024). The AIR program will allow artists to access and fully leverage Genspace membership benefits. We see this as an intensive work period, so we are seeking applicants who are able to commit to a minimum of 10 hrs/week in the lab.

If you have not been to Genspace, please watch this video of our space and lab to get a clear idea of the environment and capacity of the residency.

There are a few mandatory sessions in September that the AIR will need to attend:

Required: Orientation Saturday, September 7, 2pm - 6pm

Required: Four introduction to lab techniques and technology classes, weekday evenings, 6-9pm. Held during the weeks of September 9 and September 16, specific dates to be determined. Covering sterile technique, genetic ancestry, molecular cloning, and intro to genetic engineering and synthetic biology. 

The residency includes:

• Access to Community lab, equipment, and supplies

• Free mandatory and optional introductory intensive courses that teach necessary laboratory skills.

A Scientist partner, specifically selected for each AIR in collaboration with the Genspace staff to be a thought partner and help devise explorations in the lab.

• Curatorial consultants will help artists translate their projects to a broader audience.

• A stipend of $4000

• In addition, the AIR will have support for:

• Engagement with Genspace youth programs 

• A public outreach program (i.e., a talk, workshop, or studio visit)

• Public exhibition of art related to the residency

A committee of Genspace community members, outside curators, and mentors will review the proposals and select those best suited to our mission and facility. The panel will prioritize artists with historically marginalized identities and applicants who lack access to resources.

If you have any questions about this application, please send an email to cmaclow@genspace.org. No phone calls, please

FORMER ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE