Arts Incubator

TAC's Arts Incubator is a studio rental program for emerging visual artists, performing artists, and writers in Tioga County, NY.  Each of the 100-200 SF semi-private studio spaces shares a common space, kitchenette and bathroom facility with other creatives, providing opportunities for collaboration, socialization, learning and skill sharing above a public gallery space. This project was made possible with a grant from the Community Fund of the Community Foundation for South Central New York. 

TAC Incubator provides the following resources to Incubator tenants:

Studio Space: 

Each studio space is semi-private, within a larger shared space with 24/7 access. Electricity, heat and wireless internet is provided.  No furniture is provided.  These are non-residential spaces.  Housing is not provided.  Each tenant is responsible for providing their own toiletries and for their own garbage removal.

Open Studio:  On the first Friday of each month, the studio artists are required to allow access to the public to visit your studio and learn more about your work and witness your works in progress.  There are additional opportunities to share and present their work through artist talks, workshops and lectures.

The TAC reserves the right to inspect studio spaces at any time.

Publicity:  Tenants are announced on arrival and listed on TAC’s website as well as featured on other social media and printed advertisements as a part of TAC’s calendar of events.

Visual artists and writers working as a collaborative pair are eligible to apply.  Please submit a joint biography, resume and sample of work done collaboratively. International Artists are eligible for this program.  Please note this is studio space only.  No residential space is available.  International artists are responsible for all visas, travel, living and housing expenses.

Applicants must apply as a 2D or 3D visual artist, performing artist or writer.  Applicants cannot apply in more than one category.

Applicant Restrictions:

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. 

Application Review Process and Selection Criteria:

Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee and approved by the TAC Board of Directors.  The Board reviews and ranks applicants based on the following criteria:

  • Merit of past work
  • Career record.  Applicants must be emerging.
  • Proposed projects intended to complete as a tenant.

TAC is committed to maintaining diversity in its programs.  The Incubator welcomes and encourages the participation of artists from all backgrounds and does not discriminate with regard to age, race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, marital status, or nation of origin in its admission policies.

 At the close of the program, each tenant is required to submit a narrative about their experience in the program and submit representative work samples of their work created in their time at the TAC Incubator.

Application Instructions- applicants must provide the following:

  • Contact Info
  • Two Professional References (contact info only)
  • Letter of Interest
  • Please provide short narrative answers to the following questions:
    • Why are you interested in the TAC Incubator spaces?
    • What days/times do you anticipate working in the studio most frequently?
    • What is your opinion of an artist’s role in the community?
  • One Page Resume
  • Work Sample Portfolio (representing your best work)
    • Digital images – 5-10 jpeg files 800 pixels in the longest dimension, 72 dpi.
    • During selection, images will be presented one at a time as a projection.
    • Prints, slides, catalogs and original work will not be accepted and will be discarded.
    • Video – four minute maximum video, for time based media only.
    • Video/Audio clips are acceptable as weblinks to clips hosted on external sites (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
    • Writers – submit samples as a PDF, up to 20 pages.
  • We do not accept:
    • 35 mm slides or VHS
    • Original Artwork
    • PowerPoint presentations or slideshows
    • Handwritten documents
    • Letters of Recommendation

 

Work Samples that do not follow the guidelines will not be considered.  The Executive Director and employees of TAC do not have input on the selection of applicants.

 All applicants will be notified via email of their application status within 30 days of submission.  Please do not call or email inquires on the status of your application.

FAQ’s

What is the deadline for submitting my application?

Applications will be received on a rolling basis, until all spaces are filled.

Can I mail a hardcopy of my application?

Yes.  Mail your application to 179 Front Street, Owego, NY 13827, attn.. Incubator Committee. 

I have video samples as well as jpegs, can I submit both?

Yes. 

Are students eligible to apply?

               Yes.  But you must be 21 to apply. 

I am active in my artistic practice but I do not have extensive history of exhibiting or selling work.  Am I eligible to apply?

               Yes.  The TAC Incubator is intended for emerging artists. 

Will I receive confirmation that my application has been received?

Yes.  A TAC staff member will confirm receipt of your application via email, or phone call if email is not available. 

How many studio visits should I expect during my residency?

10-12 per year, during the monthly Owego Art Walk.

Are the facilities equipped with any special equipment to accommodate chemicals, clay, plaster, wood, etc.?

No.  There is no special ventilation, drainage or disposal system at TAC.  Safe and orderly disposal is the responsibility of the artist.  Unauthorized use of the TAC facilities is grounds for termination of the lease. 

I have a question that wasn’t answered.  How can I reach TAC?

Please direct additional questions to tiogaartscouncil@gmail.com or call (607) 687-0785.