SKY LAB

About

SKY LAB is a residency for artists who center the community in the development of their work. While SKY LAB artists may work beyond the four walls of a traditional studio or theater space, or be presented more traditionally, Hi-ARTS supports work that centers community in the roots of its development, research, and consideration.

This may include relationship building, deep listening and discussion, experience design, community collaboration, storytelling, and other interdisciplinary methods and practices that take place alongside and in relation to an artist’s identified community. We welcome artists to define what “community engagement” means to them.

The residency period culminates with a WORK IN PROCESS [WIP]. [WIP] programs are designed in collaboration with artists and Hi-ARTS.

Applications are now closed. To be notified of upcoming Artist Opportunities at Hi-ARTS, please sign up for Backstage Buzz.

SKY LAB ARTISTS

  • SKY LAB is intended for theater, performing/performance artists, and multidisciplinary artists who center community in the development of their work.

    Artists must commit to a commitment of 50 hours of development.

    Hi-ARTS considers an artist’s individual experiences, perspectives and values with the same degree of care and attention that we pay to your creative portfolio. Both are considered alongside one another during the application process. We value artists who:

    • center community in the development of their work and have an explicitly community-engaged practice;

    • respond to social justice themes and/or bring visibility to their lived experiences;

    • innovate and push known aesthetics into new and dynamic interdisciplinary forms;

    • create new original works that expand the perspectives traditionally represented in contemporary theater, performance, and other creative areas;

    • value interaction with community as a means of both developing content and providing broad public engagement;

    • Embody diversity along the lines of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and sexuality;

    • offer and uphold the perspectives and experiences of historically marginalized groups within their practice;

    • create boundary-pushing forms of expressive culture and aesthetic practice;

    • create boundary-pushing forms of expressive culture and aesthetic practice.

    While all are welcome to apply, Hi-ARTS prioritizes supporting Artists of the Global Majority.


    Note: To receive the artist stipend, artists must complete a W9 form to receive payment. If you have questions about student participation, citizenship, or other eligibility questions that are not answered in the FAQs below, please contact us at info@hi-artsnyc.org.

  • Applicants apply by completing an application form which will include a project description and/or proposal as well as work samples. Candidates can apply for both CRITICAL BREAKS and SKY LAB Residencies in the application form.

    The application asks for:

    • Names of artists, all collaborators, and project roles
    • Individual artist/ensemble/collaborator bios
    • Artistic devising/development process
    • Project description
    • Insight as to how personal value system resonates in work
    • Residency goals
    • Projected use of resources and technical assistance
    • Budget proposal. Download budget templates here: Excel Template; PDF Template
     • Prior development for the project, if any
    • Target audiences/communities
    • Preferred dates and rehearsal times for residency. Please note: We will be as flexible as possible in scheduling rehearsals and a public offering. Hi-ARTS shares Artspace PS109 with other nonprofit organizations, artists, and rentals.
    • Up to three (3) work samples
    • Upcoming performances, if any
    • Optional demographic information

    For questions, or assistance accessing any part of this application, please contact us at info@hi-artsnyc.org.

  • General

    • Access to flexibly scheduled time in the Hi-ARTS space at El Barrio’s Artspace PS109 in East Harlem, or on a virtual platform, or both

    • Artist Stipend

    • WORK IN PROCESS Program

    • Archival photo and video documentation

    Creative

    • Direct Programmatic Support

    • Administrative Support with General Management

    • Collaborative Marketing Support

    • Staff consultation, via an open door policy and pre-scheduled meetings

    Financial & Administrative

    • Budget preparation and support

    • Purchasing

    • Advising

    • Financial Distribution (paying, etc.)

    • Contracting 

    Technical

    • When applicable: support in hiring / providing: stage manager, studio assistant, and/or production assistant

    • Light

    • Sound

    • Video Conferencing Equipment

    • Printer

    • Full Inventory List


    Physical Space & Amenities 

    • Black Box Theater

    • Dance Studio

    • Foyer Gallery Space

    • Approximately 50 hours of flexibly scheduled time in our space in person at El Barrio’s Artspace PS109 in East Harlem, or on a virtual platform, or both. 

    Programmatic Reflection

    •  Pre- and post-residency reflection spaces

  • CRITICAL BREAKS and SKY LAB applications are accepted on a yearly basis. This year’s application cycle will open late June.

    The application deadline is Saturday, July 20th, 11:59pm EST. Review and selection take place July 22-August 23, 2024. Artists will be notified shortly thereafter. Internal conversations will take place through the month of September, and public announcements will be made late in September 2024.

    Residencies will take place in the months of: October 2024, November 2024, February 2025, March 2025, May 2025, and June 2025. The residency application provides an opportunity to specify which month(s) you prefe

  • We recommend reading Frequently Asked Questions. For any additional questions, please contact us at programs@hi-artsnyc.org. You can expect a response within 2-3 business days.

2024 SKY LAB Residency Highlights