FAQ
FAQ
Q. How many artists are in the program, and is it restricted to fine artists?
The space was built to house 432 student athletes, but we are capping the artist population at 170. All creative disciplines are welcome – visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, culinary arts, film, music, design, fashion, architecture, etc.
We believe that creativity flourishes in a vibrant, supportive and affordable community. Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where diverse talents can come together to live, work, and inspire one another, while building the foundation for a lasting career in the arts with professional development & mentorship.
Because Project 14C is housed in an historic building, we cannot allow any artistic practices that involve open flame or toxic materials.
Q. When can I move in?
Artists who have completed the application and been accepted to Project 14C are brought in on a rolling basis, with 10-20 artists joining the program each month. Project 14C officially launches in January 2025, but we are “soft” opening to artist residents in November 2024.
Q. Do I have to pay a security deposit?
No – these are not rental apartments, you are not a tenant. The monthly fees are for program participation, not rent.
Q. Why is the program length 1-year?
The intention is to help artists build the foundation for a lasting career in a nurturing and creative haven, while offering access to the incredible opportunities within Jersey City and across the river in New York City. It can take a while to gain that career foothold and become part of a community, so it was felt that the time period was appropriate. The majority of residencies are for one year, with a limited number available for three months.
Q. Are we required to complete a project or body of work by the end of the program?
No – the purpose of the program is to be part of an inspiring creative community and to build the foundation for a lasting career in the arts. The only requirements are respect for the other participants in Project 14C, and community volunteer time (one and a half hours per month, or 18 hours over the course of a year).
Project 14C will facilitate exhibition and performance opportunities, as well as professional development assistance, including entrepreneurial and business coaching, but our goal is to give artists the opportunity to establish a foundation for a professional career, rather that require specific artistic output.
Q. What is involved with the volunteer requirement?
Artists are asked to be involved in the program and the community. Volunteer hours can be spent inside the building doing such varied things as gallery sitting, mural painting, event photography, moving furniture, program planning etc. Volunteer time can also be spent in the wider community – ARTS 14C has numerous partners among the nonprofits of the area, both in arts and social services.
Q. Can I see the space in person before I apply?
Yes – if you are in the NYC or Jersey City area, you can make an appointment to view the facility by emailing us at [email protected]
Q. This artist residency program is run by an art fair?
Project 14C is a program of ARTS 14C, an arts organization with programs that include Art Fair 14C, as well as Gallery 14C, the annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour and the neighborhood Art Crawls. All of 14C’s programs are led by our 4-fold mission:
- increase opportunities for artists
- expand public access to art
- strengthen careers in the arts
- activate underrecognized arts communities
Although 14C has primarily focused on the visual arts over the first five years of its existence, Project 14C is open to artists of all disciplines.
Q. What if I am still getting my degree – can I participate in the program?
That is possible – assuming you are attending a college or university nearby – you can use these former dorms as your dorm, but we do expect that the artists of Project 14C to participate in our programming and opportunities and not just use the space as a subsidized bedroom.
Q. Do I have to share the studio loft apartment, and is the work space separate from the living space?
Although we feel that communal living is an integral part of the residency, we are allowing artists to apply to live alone. Artists living alone would, with rare exception, be expected to cover the full costs of the program, without opportunity for a fellowship.
The loft spaces were designed to be shared and to be both live and work, and they all have sufficient space for both purposes. All apartments have two bathrooms and a kitchenette, and the most have communal dining and living areas.
Of course, poets may need less work space than sculptors – and each live-work space is different in size and configuration. We are planning to be thoughtful in the space assignments and mindful of need.
Q. It says that the apartments are furnished – what is provided?
Each studio apartment comes with beds, desks, armoirs and chests of drawers. Most apartments also have dining tables and chairs as well as armchairs and ottomans.
Divider screens, towels, sheets and other bedding supplies are also available for a small rental fee.
Q. Will I be assigned roommates or can a group of us apply together?
Pairs or groups of artists are encouraged to apply! They would be accepted together and share a live/work loft space, though each must apply individually. Otherwise, roommates will be assigned using the application information to create a harmonious residency experience.
Q. What about the RA apartments?
Each floor will have one Resident Artist Advisor apartment. RAs will not be salaried, but will be able to use their live-work studio free of charge.
Being an RA involves social maturity and responsibility, compassion, problem solving and leadership – as well as assistance with 14C programming. We have RAs on the 6th Floor – Bassim Al Shaker, and the 5th Floor – Gail M. Boykewich. A 4th Floor RA will be selected before April 2025.
Q. Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed, though if there are roommates, all must consent to sharing space with the pet, and the building charges a $250 per year pet fee. Dogs must have a license from the City of Jersey City. Artists are wholly responsible for their pets and any damages that they may cause.
Q. Can my (non artist) partner share the space with me?
Although our preference is that the program community be filled with artists and other creatives, the evaluation panel will consider each application on a case by case basis.
Q. Are international artists welcome?
Of course – though we recognize that visa requirements may restrict the ability to complete a 1-year program, in which case accommodations can be made accordingly.
Q. I already live in the Jersey City area and just need studio space, can I participate in the program?
Yes – we have a number of work-only studios on the 6th floor, which are available for $30/sq ft. Each studio includes private bathrooms and kitchenette. Studios range in size from 877 sq ft to 1504 sq ft – larger studios may be divided into multi-artist spaces. If needed, room dividers will be used to make the studios multi-artist, and artists who share spaces must be respectful of noise levels when fellow artists are in the studio space.
Artists renting these studios are able to participate in Project 14C programming, and are encouraged to engage with the community.
Q. Where can I park my car?
We are discouraging automobiles and cannot provide parking. Cars are not necessary in Downtown Jersey City as mass transit, grocery stores, restaurants and services are within walking distance. There are paid garages in the area, and there is (some) street parking, but Project 14C artists are not eligible for Jersey City resident parking permits.
Q. I have more questions.
Happy to answer any and all – just write to us at [email protected]