Community Access Art Collective members work independently and collaboratively, creating bodies of work, sharing responsibilities in the studio and our workshops, field trips, and artist talks, and developing entrepreneurial skills by promoting, exhibiting, and selling their artwork.
Early on Community Access recognized the vital importance of including access to art for our participants as a tool for self-expression, learning, forming community connections, and creative and artistic entrepreneurial endeavors. We established our Art Collective in 1988, and the program has been continuously running ever since. Based on the Lower East Side in New York City, the collective provides support and art workshops for individuals with mental health conditions to pursue an artistic practice free of cost with access to professional opportunities.
Members sign an artist agreement detailing our commitment to them and expectations that they are actively involved in art making and that they volunteer with the collective on agreed tasks and responsibilities. Members identify how they want to apply their volunteer time, whether helping clean the studio, hosting guests, leading a workshop in the community, or helping with the screen print process.
We have been active in our community by presenting art exhibitions and community engagement projects, including stencil printing, mail art, and zine workshops at Community Access housing sites, New York Public Libraries, and community cultural spaces in The Bronx and Manhattan.
Members receive 60% of the profit from sales of their artwork, and 40% support the purchase of supplies for the collective. We are also piloting a program that provides active members a $30 monthly stipend in addition to their art sales and the benefits of free shared space, supplies, and all collective programming.
Peer-to-Peer Workshops
Workshops for, and alongside, other local social service nonprofits are a natural extension of the Art Collective's collaborative ethos. We're always learning — and, likewise, are eager to share what we learn with others.
Visiting Artists Program
We have a proud tradition of hosting guest artists-in-residence to help our participants take their creative and artistic skills to new levels — notably including Ntozake Shange, the celebrated playwright, and Ifa Bayeza, the playwright, poet, and performance artist.
Field Trips
New York City offers a trove of museums, galleries, and public art: a source of inspiration we regularly tap during study trips (sketch books at the ready!).
SEE THE WORK
Original Art Collective artwork may be viewed and purchased at our online store.
You can also see more of what we're doing via social media:
@ artcollectivenyc.tumblr.com
@ instagram.com/artcollectivenyc
GET INVOLVED
Our Lower East Side studio is an encouraging and supportive environment. No prior art experience necessary. Contact us — details below — for more information.
FEATURED VIDEO
QUESTIONS?
Amy Sharp
Art Collective Director
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212-608-8230, ext. 2000