EFA Project Space is a collaborative, cross-disciplinary arts venue founded on the belief that art is directly connected to the individuals who produce it and the communities that arise because of it. By providing an arena for exploring these connections, we empower artists, curators, and other participants to forge new partnerships and encourage the expansion of ideas. It is a home for emerging, mid-career, as well as established curators and artists. We focus our attention on community engagement and public programming.

We strongly encourage applications that consider the following items:

*Project proposals that are based on group gatherings and offer a bi-weekly thematic structure for its participants.

*Process based exercises that serve and activate a variety of communities throughout NYC, and make use of the space to explore, discuss, create, connect, and collaborate.

*Projects can include thematic conversations, poetry readings, music, movement and dance exercises, activism, and various workshops.

*Projects that compliment Project Space’s mission and present an appropriate use of time and space.

*Joint collaborations with arts organizations and collectives whose missions intersect with our own, or that create space for conversation across disciplines and communities.

*Dynamic, interactive projects that challenge the standard exhibition format while reaching a wide range of audiences and NY based communities.

*Applicants may submit a letter of inquiry proposing a community based project.

*Each project will take place at EFA Project Space for a three-months period.

*The project proposal will include bi-weekly (twice a month) meetings at Project Space.

*Projects will take place while an exhibition is presented in the space.

*The project will offer a thematic gathering with up to 10 participants who can sign up in advance.

*The project can offer registration per meeting or per project OR offer a meeting space for a consistent group throughout the project’s duration.

*The application must include a general idea and purpose for the gathering, as well as bullet points for each meeting throughout the three months period.

*Projects should be aligned with Project Space’s mission and present an appropriate use of the space, taking into consideration its location within NYC, and the potential of including relevant communities.

*In the inquiry form, applicants will be asked to provide documentation in the form of images, video links, audio links, text or other, of your experience in facilitating group gatherings.

*Community organizers, activists, curators, artists, and other professionals are encouraged to apply.

*Please note: Applicants may submit a proposal for an exhibition or a project, or for both. However only one may be accepted.

*Inquiries are due by September 29, 2023. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. From those, interviews and follow-up discussions will lead the selection of a project in December of 2023.

*Submissions will be reviewed by our Advisory Committee, staff, and invited guest jurors.

*Two final projects will be selected for 2024.

*Each project will take place at EFA Project Space on one of the following periods: March-May 2024, and September-November, 2024.

*EFA Project Space offers the use of a 2200 sq. ft. gallery space in the heart of NYC.

*EFA Project Space staffing during project hours.

*An honoraria for the project facilitator/s plus materials will be provided. It will be capped at $2400 for the entire project. The amount will be determined based on the project and its needs.

*Promotion through EFA Project Space’s social media, website, and newsletter.

*Project budgets cannot provide for travel, international shipping, or elaborate construction/fabrication costs.

*EFA Project Space follows W.A.G.E. certification standards and is committed to paying honoraria to all artists and participants. In general, exhibition budgets cannot provide for travel, international shipping, or elaborate construction/fabrication costs.

*New York City based candidates are required.

*Applicants must be age 21 years or older.

*Must have legal authorization to work in the USA.

*Must be committed to being in NYC during the project dates and be an active participant in the organizing of the project.

*Demonstrated experience with or in conversation with the proposed community involved.

*The project must be a new proposal by the facilitator in which it has not been presented prior.

*The facilitator must have proven experience with the proposed medium, and with facilitating groups.

About EFA Project Space

Gallery Floor Plan

Past Exhibitions

EFA Project Space is located on the second floor of 323 West 39th Street. It is accessible via an elevator (whose door width is 32” and car width is 65”) or two flights of stairs. At the building’s ground-level front desk, you will be asked to sign in with your name but not to provide ID.

The exhibitions and projects are free. Chairs with backs are available to guests upon request by speaking to a gallery attendant. There are two non-gender-segregated single-stall bathrooms on the building’s third floor, accessible via the elevators, outside the Project Space. One bathroom is wide and long enough to accommodate a wheelchair; the other cannot. Neither bathroom has grab bars.

EFA Project Space is committed to nurturing an intergenerational environment and we encourage visitors of all ages to join.

ASL interpreters are available upon request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance to request ASL Interpretation for public programs.

Can I apply to both the Exhibition and Project Open Call?

Applicants may submit a proposal for an exhibition or a project, or for both. However only one may be accepted.

Will EFA Project Space help me find participants?

Project Space staff can assist to create a registration for the project and promote it on our social media.

Do the same participants have to attend every meeting?

Not necessarily, the project can offer registration per meeting or per project OR offer a meeting space for a consistent group throughout the project’s duration.

Can international artists apply?

International artists can apply but must be authorized to work in the USA and committed to being in NYC for the duration of the exhibition.

Application