Organizations in Residence

Governors Island Arts’ Organizations in Residence Program offers free indoor programming space to New York nonprofit arts organizations in one of the Island’s historic houses. Organizations in Residence temporarily occupy these houses to provide programming that is free and open to the public, embracing an untraditional working and exhibition environment that helps organizations connect with a diverse and growing audience of nearly 1M annual visitors.

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. Current OiRs are open weekly Friday - Sunday between 11am and 5pm through November 3.

• Resident organizations will devise seasonal programming, including but not limited to exhibitions, events, workshops, and artist residencies that encourage visitors to engage with their mission and with the space at Governors Island. All programs offered must be free and open to the public
• Organizations that are part of this program are expected to staff their assigned house and be open to the public between May and October on weekends (Saturday & Sunday). Hours may vary, but all houses must be open to the public the third Saturday of every month from 11am-5pm for our "THIRD Saturdays" event. Houses can be open up to seven days a week during the Island’s public hours.
• Organizations that are part of this program must be open by May 17, 2025, and participate in an island-wide opening event. Later opening dates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Organizations that are part of this program are encouraged to collaborate with other participating organizations in public programs. Public programs can include artist talks, workshops, panels, and performances between May and October.

• Alignment with Governors Island Arts’ goal to provide all New Yorkers 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 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.

Governors Island is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor. Just minutes from Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront by ferry, the Island is a popular seasonal destination open to visitors from May to October. An award-winning park complements its dozens of historic buildings, year-round educational and cultural facilities, rich arts and culture program and 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Looking ahead, the long-term vision for Governors Island focuses expanding public access year-round by enlivening it with transformative art and culture, extraordinary recreational and open space, and research and education dedicated to addressing the global climate crisis.

Please click below to begin the proposal submission process via Submittable. Email arts@govisland.org with any questions.

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