Chashama's Mission
Chashama helps create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world by partnering with property owners to transform unused real estate. These spaces are used for artists, small businesses, and for free community-centric art classes. Learn more about Chashama's programming on our website.
We recommend following @chashama on Instagram or subscribing to our monthly newsletter to be notified about new opportunities.
Chashama is looking to highlight the art of Immigrant Artists by offering grant-funded weekly performance residencies for the months of June. Each residency includes $500 - $1000 in grant funding to assist with performance and artist expenses depending on the duration of the project. Each recipient is required to perform for a minimum of 2-4 days per week of their residencies. This is a call for musicians, dancers, and performers of any kind.
This application is specifically for our performance space Anita's Way located within the breezeway block connecting W 42nd and W 43rd Streets, between 6th Ave and Broadway. Artists are encouraged to visit the space before applying.
The deadline to apply is March 31st, 2023.
Please review space details here.
Photos of the space can be found here.
Floor plans can be found here.
A list of tech equipment available can be found here.
What You Should Know Before Applying:
- The space has projection and audio capabilities.
- Performances must be free and for the public.
- Performances must be appropriate for all ages.
- Submitting your proposal indicates that your exhibition is ready to be programmed, or will be ready by the preferred dates included in the proposal.
- Anita's Way is outdoor space (with a ceiling.) Performers should come dressed with the weather in mind.
- Any and all set dressings must be removed overnight between performances and may not be kept on stage or stored in the space.
- No parking and no storage are provided
- Exhibitors are responsible for leaving the space as they found it.
- Not all programming occurs in chronological order of submission date.
- Application materials will not be returned. Incomplete, faxed, or emailed applications will not be reviewed. Chashama is not responsible for lost or misdirected applications.
Materials You Will Need For Applying:
- Reference's contact information
- Presentation Proposal (500 words or less)
- Artist Statement (500 words or less)
- 5 images of recent work (.jpg, .png, .tiff) that relate to the proposal. If the proposal is for an installation, one of the 5 images should be a layout sketch. For video work, include 5 stills and a link to externally-hosted videos.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Call for Artists: Lobby Artwork at 200 Water Street
Program Details
- Hanging sculptures to show at 200 Water Street lobby area.
- Exhibition period: late April or Early May - November 2023 (dates are TBD).
- Work must be family-friendly.
- Artist will be awarded a stipend of $2000.
Space details
- Space details & images can be found here. Please scroll down to view.
- Hanging sculptures can be hung using the trellis. Details here.
- Trellis dimensions: 96" X 120", floor to the trellis is 130" (10' 10")
- Front alcove ceiling height: 202" (16' 10")
Logistics
- Artists should be available for a studio visit.
- Work must be ready to be installed with 1 - 2 weeks notice.
- Chashama provides delivery & return of work in the NYC area.
- Ideally, the selected artist is responsible for installation, which must be completed in one day due to restricted access. Artist is required to purchase General Liability insurance for the installation and submit COI.
- Chashama provides an event listing on our website and social media exposure.
Application Guidelines
Submission deadline: The submission deadline is April 14th, 2023.
Materials you will need for applying:
- CV in PDF form
- Artist Statement (200 words or less)
- Installation Logistics (300 words or less)
- At least three images of proposed work (.jpg, .png, .tiff).
Questions?
Please submit your application before contacting our office. We'd like to see your application to best assist you. Contact: programs@chashama.org. Please note, only selected applicants will be contacted. We prioritize proposals that best work within our spaces.
Thank you!
Call for Artists: Lobby Artwork - Midtown Manhattan
Thank you for your interest in Chashama's Lobby Exhibitions. Currently, we’re looking for large paintings/wall sculptures/framed photographs/works on paper to show in our lobby spaces across Midtown Manhattan. Please find program details below. Application deadline is April 14th, 2023 by 11:59pm.
Program Details
Type: Solo exhibition. We program one artist in each lobby.
Timeframe: Pieces are on loan for approximately 4 - 5 months period from last week of June - mid November, 2023.
Requirements:
- 2D works or wall sculptures: 7 - 8 large paintings or wall sculptures or framed photographs/works on paper
- All pieces must be appropriate for all ages
- Pieces should be at least 4 feet in width and 5 feet in height.
- The maximum linear dimension of any work should be 8 feet.
Space: Currently, we're looking for the work to show at below 5 lobbies. Please note, we can't guarantee any specific space until your work is selected and approved. Your proposal will be considered for all locations.
Logistics:
- Chashama offers delivery & return of artwork in the NYC area only, and provides Installation and deinstall of artwork.
- Pieces will be installed using the J-rail system and D-rings. Artists should install high weight capacity d-rings on the back of the canvas, 2.5-5 inches from the top of your work. No wires between d-rings are necessary.
- Artists should wrap their work for delivery.
Sales: All sales of work should be made directly through the artist. Artist keeps 100% of any sales.
Promotion:
- Design and print for a run of postcards.
- Social media exposure and event listings on Chashama's website
- Opening reception may/may not be available this year, depending on the building's
Stipend: $500 will be provided for each artist.
Application Guidelines
Application deadline: April 14th, 2023 by 11:59pm.
Materials you'll need to submit:
- CV in PDF form
- Website and Social Media Handles
- Artist Statement (300 words or less)
- 7-10 images of proposed work in jpg
Questions?
Please submit your application before contacting our office. We'd like to see your application to best assist you. Contact: programs@chashama.org. Please note, only selected applicants will be contacted. We prioritize proposals that best work within our spaces.
Thank you!
Thank you for your interest in Chashama’s Space to Present Program
Our Visual Arts application is specific to 2D and 3D work including but not limited to painting, photography, installation, and sculpture. This application is primarily for July - December 2023, with some availability in early 2024. Our Space to Present spaces can be found here.
What You Should Know Before Applying:
- Submitting your proposal indicates that your exhibition is ready to be programmed.
- Any work visible form the street (through windows, et cetra) must be appropriate for all ages.
- Exhibitors are responsible for scheduling and staffing a minimum of 30 open hours per week. (If you apply to present performances, we have some flexibility regarding a minimum of 30 open hours per week policy.)
- Venues require a refundable $250 for the use of the space. Extra deposits ranging from $500 - $1000 may be necessary depending on the artist's plan to decorate/modify the space.
- Artists must purchase general liability insurance regardless of the length of time in space. There’s no restriction as to which insurance company artists choose to work with.
- Exhibitors are fully responsible for the installation and deinstallation of their presentation and for setting up any technical equipment or displays. Chashama does not provide art transportation, hanging materials or tools.
- Presentations are granted space for 3 - 6 weeks.
- Exhibitors are responsible for leaving the space in the same condition that they received it in, or better; Chashama provides materials for restoration.
- Exhibitors keep 100% of any work sold in the space.
Materials You Will Need For Applying:
- CV in PDF form
- Vision Statement (250 words or less)
- Presentation Description (250 words or less) Detail your specific plans for the exhibition. Number of works, mediums, etc.
- 5 images of recent work that relate to the proposal.
- Preferred dates and locations for presentation.
Questions?
Please submit your application before contacting our office. We'd like to see your application to best assist you. Contact: programs@chashama.org. Please note, only selected applicants will be contacted. We prioritize proposals that best work within our spaces.
Thank you!
Thank you for your interest in Chashama’s Storefront Startup Program
This application is for small businesses only. This application is primarily for Spring 2023, with few availabilities in Winter 2022/23. Our Storefronts can be found here.
What You Should Know Before Applying:
- Submitting your proposal indicates that your business is ready to be programmed.
- Businesses are responsible for scheduling and staffing a minimum of 30 open hours per week.
- Businesses are fully responsible for the installation and deinstallation of their storefront and for setting up any technical equipment or displays. Chashama does not provide product transportation, hanging materials or tools.
- Venues require a refundable $250-$500 deposit for the use of the space.
- Businesses are granted space for 3-6 weeks. Accepted proposals will be notified approximately 8-weeks prior to the start date, due to the temporary nature of our spaces.
- Businesses are responsible for leaving the space in the same condition that they received it in, or better; Chashama provides materials for restoration.
- Any work visible from the street (through windows, et cetera) must be appropriate for all ages.
- Businesses keep 100% of any work sold in the space.
Materials You Will Need For Applying:
- Business vision (250 words or less)
- Storefront design plan (250 words or less)
- Information about your business and its needs
- 5 images of your products/services
Questions?
Please submit your application before contacting our office. We'd like to see your application to best assist you. Contact: programs@chashama.org. Please note, only selected applicants will be contacted. We prioritize proposals that best work within our spaces.
Thank you!
Performance and Rehearsal Space: Port Authority Bus Terminal
This former Mrs. Fields store, is 880 square feet, located within the Port Authority Bus Terminal in the South Wing.
- Chashama is seeking performance groups and/or individuals to be in residence in for a 1-3 month long term beginning in Spring 2023.
- Performances should occur a minimum of 3 times per week and each performance should be at least 2 hours in duration. Best during rush-hour.
- A $1,000 stipend will be granted at the end of the term.
- There are two roll-down gates and a greenroom for storage and prep.
- Space details including images, square footage and capacity, and a floorplan can be found here.
What You Should Know Before Applying:
- Chashama cannot provide AV tech. The accepted group will need to build out the space.
- Content must be appropriate for all ages.
- Shows must be free and open to the public (donations are acceptable). Rehearsals may be private.
- Participants are responsible for leaving the space as they found it or in better condition.
- This venue requires a refundable $200-$275 deposit for the use of the space.
- This form is for performance-based proposals. If your proposal includes a strong visual component (such as an installation or art exhibition that can be viewed by the public even when performances or rehearsals are not occurring), please use our Visual Arts form instead.
Materials You Will Need For Applying:
- Performance Logistics (300 words or less). Please detail the logistics of your proposal. What elements will make up the presentation? What props or set pieces, if any, will be used?
- Vision of Show (200 words or less). Please briefly explain what your performance is about.
- 5 images of recent work (.jpg, .png, .tiff) that relate to the proposal. For video work, include 5 stills and a link to externally-hosted videos.
Thank you!
Applications for Space to Connect - Chashama TAI @ the Jamaica T-Building are accepted on a twice-a-year basis.
Thank you for your interest in Chashama's Space to Connect - Chashama TAI @ the Jamaica T-Building
Space to Connect's chashama TAI [Teaching Artist Incubator] provides teaching artists with space to develop their artistic craft in addition to the opportunity to conduct community workshops to strengthen their classroom/program management skills. By providing host populations with workshops, our teaching artists work with various ethnicities, age groups, and creative levels. The program enables teaching artists to grow as they discover and respond to the artistic interests and needs of the host population. The overall goal is to be a regional teaching artist incubator focused on broadening cultural and artistic development while delivering high-quality workshops to the community.
The T-Building in Jamaica, Queens is a high-quality affordable housing complex that was built out of an old hospital on the Queens Hospital campus. The building will have approximately 1,000 tenants, which will translate into being a small town where we have been brought in to provide art workshops, exhibitions, and art services. The building, built in 1938, transformed from a cutting-edge hospital, will have a second life as an amazing and vibrant new community. Through the Yeh Gallery @ St John's and Queens College, our nearby regional educational partners, we will broaden the access to art for the building's population.
About the Studio Workspaces:
• The facility is located at 82-41 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens, NY 11432
• 7 ground floor workspaces have been newly renovated
• Studio sizes vary, but are approximately 18' x 12'.
• Each space includes a large window that can be opened for fresh air.
• Closest MTA stops:
(1) Q25 & Q34 Parsons Blvd/82 Dr. Bus stop and Parsons Blvd/Village Rd Bus stop
(2) Q46, QM1, QM5, QM6, QM7, QM8, QM31, QM35, QM36 Union Tpke/Parsons Blvd Bus stop
(3) E & F Parsons Blvd. Subway stop
About the Community Programming:
• The workshops will be held on-site in the various community spaces of the T-Building.
• We will also have gallery exhibitions at the Yeh Gallery @ St. John's University and Queens College, which are our regional educational partners.
• The building's population may speak a number of different languages. People who can speak multiple languages are a plus.
Required Materials:
- Resume or CV
- 5-8 Images or video of recent work
- 3 professional references - name, contact information, and how you know each other
- Description of your artistic practice - include materials, methods, typical size of work, etc.
- Description of your past experience with creative community involvement (ex. teaching experience, community work, public art with community participation, hosting workshops, hosting community events, etc.) Please include dates and locations if possible.
- Documentation of photos/videos you might have of your previous creative community involvement.
- Description of your approach to artistic community work.
- Proposal for community programming. A complete proposal will include (1) a clear description of your workshop/class/program ideas, (2) age ranges best suited for your program, and (3) a brief materials list.
Important things to note:
• Jamaica region-based artists who are committed to practicing their art while also seeking teaching artist opportunities, and inspiring the local community are encouraged to apply.
• The program will provide workshops on visual arts, various crafts, how to "green-up" your life [a workshop on bringing more plants into an environment for beautification and food], and movement wellness. The range of workshops will be based on the combined skills of the staff of teaching artists.
• Long-term Jamaica region-based artists receive priority in this program.
• Teaching artists will be required to provide at least one (1) 2-hour workshop per month.
• Each teaching artist residency contract is for 2 years and has the possibility of being renewed.
• Workshops should be designed for residents to drop into as they are available.
• There is a very limited program budget, however access to Materials for the Arts is available.
• There is a $150 Security Deposit due at the time of signing for a studio workspace. Deposits are refunded in full if the workspace is returned in the same condition as it was received.
• Applications are accepted on a twice a year basis. We are building a network of teaching artists to work with our regional workshop programming.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to Darryl@chashama.org if you have any issues or questions regarding this form. We are happy to support you throughout the application process.
Applications for Space to Connect: Washington Heights are accepted on a rolling basis.
Thank you for your interest in Chashama's Space to Connect - Washington Heights program.
Chashama in collaboration with Shamah Properties is offering Work Space to artists for free in exchange for creating and delivering dynamic educational and/or cultural programming for the residents of 535-539 West 162nd Street.
Washington Heights based artists who are committed to practicing their art while also engaging, teaching and inspiring the local community are encouraged to apply. Long term Washington Heights based artists receive priority in this program.

About the Workspaces:
• 4 ground floor workspaces have been newly renovated
• Each space includes windows and access to a bathroom
• The workspaces are located at 539 West 162nd Street
• The Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center, NY Presbyterian Hospital, Colombia University Medical Centers, Word Up Bookstore and PS 4 are all nearby
• Closest train stops - 163rd St (C) or 157th/168th St (1)



About the Community Programming:
• Each artist will offer 1 workshop per month, 12 per year
• The workshops will be held in the lobby of 539 West 162nd Street
• Many residents speak Spanish as their primary language, so most workshops will be held either in Spanish or bilingually - English/Spanish.
Required Materials:
- Resume or CV
- 5-8 Images or video of recent work
- 3 professional references - name, contact information, and how you know each other
- Description of your artistic practice - include materials, methods, typical size of work, etc.
- Description of your past experience with creative community involvement (ex. teaching experience, community work, public art with community participation, hosting workshops, hosting community events, etc.) Please include dates and locations if possible.
- Documentation of photos/videos you might have of your previous creative community involvement.
- Description of your approach to artistic community work.
- Proposal for community programming. A complete proposal will include (1) a clear description of your workshop/class/program ideas, (2) age ranges best suited for your program and (3) a brief materials list.
Important things to note:
• Proposed workshops must be able to work within the small lobby space available. There is room for a maximum of 3 folding tables but on average artists use just 1 or 2.
• Visual arts workshops are best suited to this space and program. There is very little space for dance, performance, theater, etc.
• Workshops should be designed for residents to drop into as they are available.
• There is a very limited program budget, however access to Materials for the Arts is available.
• There is a $150 Security Deposit due at the time of signing for a workspace. Deposits are refunded in full, if the workspace is returned in the same condition as it was received.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We reach out to applicants only when there is a vacancy in the program.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to spacetoconnect@chashama.org if you have any issues or questions regarding this form. We are happy to support you throughout the application process.