Summer opportunities & grants for Long Island City artists & arts groups

Welcome to the Local Project, Gallery & Studio in 5pointz building, LIC

Long Island City has for a long time now been known for hosting NYC’s largest artist colony outside of Manhattan (where is it now, Chelsea?). We haven’t heard much about LIC’s artist community in a while, since the Crane Street Studios closed due to a tragic accident, and a beloved local artist was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend, but finally it’s some good news! The government would like to give you guys some money to make art in LIC. Ok local artists, pay attention:

The Queens Council on the Arts has just announced this year’s Queens’ artists’ grant programs which hand out NY state allocated funds to local artists and arts orgs in the Queens borough. Direct grants from $1,000 – $5,000 to make some art that interacts with the local community. Info sessions are start this summer.

Jackson Ave’s new medians waiting for public art, Long Island City

And there’s more:

“The NYCEDC has allocated $21.5M for streetscape improvements on Jackson Avenue between Queens Plaza and 21st Street. The project will transform this critical street from its current barren environment into a tree-lined, pedestrian-oriented street. Contemporary streetlights and benches, tree planted medians, and enlarged parks are all included in the improvements. The signature and final element is permanent public art.

In conjunction with NYCEDC, the NYC Percent for Art Program is seeking artists for the commission of permanent artwork on Jackson Avenue. One or more artists will be selected to produce artwork within the renovated streetscape. The successful artist or artists must be experienced, professional and have the ability to work well with a team of City agencies. Artists that live and/or work in Long Island City are encouraged to apply.

Artists who are interested in submitting their work for review may print out the registration form from the Percent for Art website.

The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2010. If you require assistance, please email percentregistry@culture.nyc.gov.

Art at the Flux Factory Gallery & Studios, Dutch Kills, Long Island City

One of LIC’s most interesting artist studio collective, Flux Factory, is currently accepting applications for their artist residency program :

Flux Factory is an artist-run not-for-profit organization that provides residencies and work spaces for 14 artists and organizes group exhibits in-house and worldwide as an arts collective. The premises include a gallery, a coworking office, a screen printing lab, and a wood shop. It also has a shared kitchen, library, and lots of great people. Residents benefit from an engaged and creative community, studio visits, monthly art salons, and exposure to a large community of creative collaborators who both maintain personal practices and also develop projects together. All residents have a voice in planning programming and sustaining the organization as a whole.

We’re looking for an artist, community member, and friend who enjoys being part of a wonderful and active social milieu, and has a willingness to work collaboratively and/or socially. Applications are due on August 1st.

• QCA’s artist & arts org grant programs [QCA]

• Jackson Ave ‘Percent for Art’ public art call website [NYC.gov]

• Flux Factory artist residency program [Flux Factory]