NARS’ mission is geared towards creating community while fostering expansion and exchange of artistic and cultural practices. In March 2020, in response to the devastating impact that the COVID pandemic had on the cultural sector and specifically artists and in the development of their work, we dedicated part of the NARS Studios to 2-3 individual NY based artists per season who were in need of a space but were otherwise unable to afford it.
Each subsidized studio space was available for 3 months, as a work-space only. Throughout this time, artists had 24/7 access to their spaces and were able to liaise with a diverse artistic community.
NARS Foundation was selected as one of the cultural institutions using one of the houses in Governors Island for their Summer-Fall season in 2020, 2021, and again in 2022.
Throughout the three summer seasons, NARS invited a selection of New York based artists to do a 3 month residency at our NARS x Governors Island Satellite Residency Program. The selected artists had access to a working space and benefited from the vibrant community of artists and institution working at The Island.
The satellite program in GI was a unique opportunity for NARS as it greatly impacted the visibility of our organization’s mission: to provide direct support to emerging artists and curators. The location of Governors Island made it not only accessible to visitors from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond, but applicable to the communities which we serve, while simultaneously expanding our reach to new audiences.
The NARS Satellite Curatorial Fellowship 2022 took place in Governors Island from May to October, 2022. This program offers a unique opportunity for a NY based emergent curator to work with the NARS Staff and Satellite residency artists in Governors Island, towards an exhibition that will be presented at the NARS house during the last 2 months of the fellowship (September - October, 2022)
The selected fellow will have a space to work at the NARS house in Governors Island throughout the duration of the fellowship. Even though the curator will directly work with the Satellite Residents, their involvement with the NARS community will expand to our Sunset Park location. In addition to working with the residents, the curator will be able to conduct their own individual research; will have the opportunity to work and liaise with the artists community at NARS’ different programs; and will be able to connect with artists, peers, and other organizations in the Island.
Jessica Duby
The NARS Satellite Exhibition program offers an opportunity for two NY based collectives or individuals to organize a conceptually cohesive group show at the NARS Foundation Satellite space on Governors Island. The selected proposal will take in account at least one of the following aspects: the colonial and indigenous history of the island; its military background; the changes in the land, landscape, and architecture; and the environmental aspects surrounding the island. Site specific projects are encouraged.
The aim of the Juried Solo Exhibition Program was to create a platform for artists to present their curated body of work to wider audience with staff support. The exhibitions provided the opportunity for one selected emerging and underrepresented national and international artist to present innovative and compelling artwork that creates new dialogue and a forum for exchanging ideas. The program provided one selected artist with gallery space and curatorial and administrative support for a solo show.
Mira Dayal Material Metaphors
Khánh H. Lê Making Memories While We Wait
Elizabeth Hatke lateral drift
Reilly Sinanan Preventative Measures
Denis Beaubois Currency
Tori Purcell (Ex)Change
The Emerging Curator Program offered an opportunity for an individual or curatorial collective to organize a conceptually cohesive group show at the NARS Foundation Gallery. The aim of the program was to encourage new dialogue and to create a platform for emerging curators and artists to experiment and exchange ideas.
No prior curatorial experience was necessary. An experienced curator on staff was available to provide guidance and support during the program.
Tiffany Jaeyeon Shin Myth, Memory, Migration: Stories from the Asian Diaspora
Alvaro Luis Lima and Nicole Siegenthaler Low Res: Spatial Politics in the Cloud
Katherine Gressel Artistic Developments
Allison Young Re-tracing the Land
Shlmoit Dror F_ll in the bl_nk
Tamara Johnson Show Me Your Glands
Cat Weaver CIVILIZATION and its DISCONTENT
The Artist Salon series is a program organized by NARS artists for their fellow studio artists and residency artists. The studio artists who work within NARS Foundation coordinate artist talks, presentations, studio visits and various other engagements to encourage intellectual dialogue between its participants. Inspiration does not only come from other art but by the times, the surrounding environment and active communication. The Artist Salon Committee supports the Artist Salon series will further the creative professional development of its artists.
Griselda M. Healy & Ellen Coleman Izzo
France Hilbert & Elizabeth Bisbing
Elizabeth Velazquez & Justin Davis
Rose Nestler & Richard Castellena
