Context

The pursuit of artistic practices and the presentation of creative work oftentimes requires unique spaces. Despite increasing public awareness of these needs, access to affordable space remains a key challenge for artists. Studio space, rehearsal space, commercial space, exhibition, and presentation space – each artistic practice has particular demands. Similarly, artistic production and maturation often relies on stability over a long period of time. Difficulties locating proper spaces, the cost of meeting the requirements of their form, and the lack of long-term opportunities prohibit many artists from securing adequate spaces for consistently and successfully practicing their discipline.

The urgency of these issues has galvanized leaders in art and culture, planning, and community development fields to recognize the potential of artist space development projects such as live-work spaces, studios, and multi-purpose spaces. In recent years, there has been a widening body of research that supports the impact artist space development projects have not only on the artists, but also on the local community in which they live and work. This research points to positive physical, social, and economic impacts, including reduced blight, occasions for historic preservation, increased employment opportunities, and improved youth development and arts programming for residents. The awards program seeks to highlight the production of artist spaces in an emerging framework of cultural equity – where artists are key stakeholders and contributors in community building and revitalization.

Affordable, accessible spaces dedicated to artistic practice act as cultural anchors, as hubs for community engagement, and incubators of existing and emerging civic networks. Through these networks, diverse cultures, values, and ideas inspire other communities and neighborhoods, expanding the network of community and cultural stakeholders and stimulating neighborhood development and revitalization.

Exemplary spaces for artistic production often reflect the cultural identity of their communities, engaging a dynamic interaction between the past and present. Particularly in an era defined by rapid change and driven by global forces, maintaining these important and iconic cultural producers is essential.