Organizations in Residence

• Selected organizations will devise seasonal programming, including but not limited to exhibitions, events, workshops, and artist residencies, in the Island’s historic former military houses. This programming should encourage visitors to engage with the organization’s mission and with the space on Governors Island. All programs offered must be free and open to the public.
• Selected organizations are expected to staff their assigned house for public hours on weekends from May through October. Hours may vary, but all houses must be open to the public the third Saturday of every month from 11am-5pm. Houses may be open up to seven days a week during the Island’s public hours.
• Selected organizations must be open by May 16, 2025, and participate in an Island-wide season opening event. Later opening dates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Selected organizations are encouraged to collaborate with other members of the cohort on public programs, including artist talks, workshops, panels, and performances between May and October.

• Organizations must submit an application detailing their programmatic plans, which must include the presentation of free public programming in their assigned space.
• Organizations must ordinarily be arts nonprofits (including fiscally-sponsored groups) that work with artists of all disciplines and present artistic projects in a broad range of artistic disciplines and categories. Organizations led by and serving Black, Indigenous and People of Color are especially encouraged to apply.
• Organizations must be able to staff their assigned space on the Island and be open to the public on weekends between May-October.
• Selected organizations will be required to sign a license agreement with the Trust for Governors Island setting out definitive terms and conditions, including requirements for the program, rules for use of space on Governors Island, and other applicable terms. The Trust's current form of license agreement can be previewed here.
• Selected organizations will be required to supply a security deposit in the amount of $1,000 prior to moving into their assigned space on Governors Island, fully reimbursable at the end of the residency as set out in the license agreement.
• As set out in the license agreement, selected organizations must provide proof of insurance (COI) that meets the Trust for Governors Island's minimum requirements, which include: General Liability ($1M per occurrence/$2M general aggregate), Commercial Auto Liability ($1M), and Workers Compensation and Employers' Liability ($1M). Full insurance requirements are as set out in the license agreement.

• Alignment with Governors Island Arts’ goal to provide all New Yorkers with the opportunity to engage in dynamic arts and cultural programming on the Island, as well as cross-disciplinary opportunities in the arts.
• Applicant’s track-record of producing and organizing other exceptional artistic projects and public programs.
• Emphasis on public participation or engagement across diverse artists, audiences, and communities, with programs that are family friendly or suitable for all ages strongly encouraged.
• Fit and feasibility of the program given the historic nature of the buildings in Nolan Park and Colonels Row.

The historic houses in Nolan Park and along Colonels Row were built in the late 19th/early 20th centuries to house officers and their families during the Island's military history. Given their delicate nature, the spaces are best suited to creative practices that do not involve heavy production or large equipment. Spaces are delivered to selected organizations as-is and have working but limited electricity.

Spaces currently have no access to running water, working restrooms or heating and cooling systems. Restroom facilities and drinking fountains are located within a five-minute walk from the houses.

NOTE: We highly recommend visiting the spaces on Governors Island before submitting an application. Organizations in Residence are open weekends from 11am-5pm through November 3.

Please click the green "Submit a Proposal" button below to begin the proposal submission process via Submittable. Contact us at arts@govisland.org with any questions.

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