Image via Ledbetter Architect
What’s the best place for artists to live? New York is too expensive. The traffic in Los Angeles is terrible. But what do you do if you are an actor, a dancer, or a painter and you want to make your mark?
Move to Paducah.
What’s that, you say? Where is Paducah? It’s in Kentucky. Why should you move there? Because they’ll bribe you.
Artist Housing Projects
In 2000, the leaders of Paducah got together to figure out how to improve the image of their town. They wanted to revitalize the community. The solution? Invite artists to move to the city — an artist relocation program. Nine years and over $6 Million in investments later Paducah has become an artist haven and a model for how other communities can build their own artist communities.
“The Artist Relocation Program is about artist ownership, thus giving the artists a vested interest in our community. To date we have relocated seventy artists who have taken us up on our financial and cultural incentives.” — Paducaharts.com
These incentives include money for relocating, grants for purchasing or building homes, and promises of business coaching and new venues for the artists. Paducah made good on those promises and they are now the example for best places for artists to live.
There is a boom in artist housing communities going on in the USA. As artists are priced out of the New Yorks and the LAs, and as the Internet makes it easier for artists to get the word out about their work, smaller cities and towns are becoming gathering places for the artistic elite.
Companies That Sponsor Artist Housing and Urban Revitalization Projects
Artspace Projects, Inc – A nonprofit organization that purchases, renovates, and manages spaces that are used for artist housing and urban revitalization.
The Ford Foundation – Announced in 2010 that they would put $100 Million toward the building of new art spaces.
Partners for Livable Communities – A Washington DC-based nonprofit with the goal of developing livable communities around the country.
Cleveland’s Community Partnership for Arts and Culture – another nonprofit with the goal of helping Cleveland revitalize through funding the arts.
Artist Housing Projects Across the Country
In addition to Paducah, these cities have started artist relocation programs:
Bradenton, FL- The Village of the Arts was founded by the Arts Guild of Manatee, and comprises approximately 35 arts-related businesses, many of which are also live/work spaces. The Downtown Development Agency administers two grants for homeowners, a facade grant for improvement to the front of a structure and a chain link fence replacement grant.
Covington, KY- The Covington Commission has rezoned many commercial spaces for live/work galleries and studios. Additionally, they offer lots of financing options and tax incentives to help artists purchase and develop these spaces, as well as a flexibility that allows for “comparison shopping” of other like programs around the nation.
Cumberland, Maryland – Cumberland’s Allegany Arts Council has created a very interesting relocation program. Complete with relocation incentives, the Arts and Entertainment district of Cumberland aims to upscale its town by bringing talented and hard working artists in to revitalize the district.
Chattanooga, TN – Forgivable mortgages, financial assistance, and career development training available for artists who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help build the cultural revolution that Chattanooga is developing. The program is entering the third stage of its development (no word on whether there will be a fourth) and may or may not be currently accepting applications for further residents.
Cleveland, OH – Artist Katherine Chilcote has a non-profit public art organization called Building Bridges. They are focusing on renovating abandoned houses for artists to live in and turning abandoned buildings into studios and galleries.
Collinwood, OH – Arts Collinwood has a program for helping artists set up and sustain businesses in this Midwestern town.
Detroit, MI – No relocation programs exist in Detroit at the moment, but artists are buying houses for as little as $100 and turning them into artist studios and live/work spaces.
Johnstown, PA – The Kernville Arts District has another relocation program. Great terms for mortgages for artists who are willing to relocate to Johnstown.
Lowell, MA- The Appleton Mills Apartments offer affordable live/work lofts for artists in a remodeled textile mill, complete with galleries, freight elevators, sink rooms, and basement storage. Their current application period is up, but check back for the next opportunity! An added bonus: Applewood is really not that far from Boston, and much more liveable.
Oil City, PA- A combination of financing packages, live/work spaces in historic Victorians, business support for artists, and an already-established arts scene make Oil City a city worth looking into. Check out the National Transit Art Studios to see what this community has to offer.
Pawtucket, RI – Thanks to Kate for mentioning this program. Competitive rental rates and a dedicated Cultural Affairs Officer to act as a contact person and advocate are all part of Pawtucket’s comprehensive cultural plan.
St. Louis, MO – An abandoned shopping mall is offering studio space for as little as $100 per month.
Can’t Bear to Leave the Big City?
The Seattle Housing Levy – The Seattle Housing Levy has funded three apartment buildings with units affordable to and designed for working artists.
Fort Point Arts Community, Inc. – An advocacy organization that helps Boston area artists obtain studio space.
Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts Studio Center – Provides subsidized workspace for visual artists in Manhattan.
Artist Housing Projects Across the Country
Do you live in an artist housing project or do you know of one not on this list? Leave a comment below and I’ll add it to the list.
I was so excited when searching on my computer and found “artist relocation programs”. So I looked into A LOT of them. I drove to several places in the country I submitted applications an pictures of my work and I was accepted into those that I applied for.
The only problem is that most of the information I found was old and doesn’t apply any more, and the rest of it was crazy. The places I went to either had the worst places in the world in bad neighborhoods and it would take a small fortune to fix them up UNLESS you or someone close to you was a builder or contractor. Some of the programs that I looked into have been around awhile and I guess the initial excitement for the towns wore off and I couldn’t get any real help. Most of them had a certain SMALL area to look for housing in and there wasn’t much of a choice.
I’m a poor potter and all I want is a decient place to live with my boyfriend and 2 cats. I can’t find any and OH yes, some of them~~~~~~well there properity tax was way out of line. How could people expect and unknown artist to get a start in these places?????
Hi Linda,
Have you checked out Covington, Ky and Chatanooga? If so I would be inerested in your impressions of these communities.
Thanks, Kate
I fully appreciate that you took the time to investigate these and to inform us of what you discovered. In other words, it sounds great on paper, and is not the fact. I just moved to Asheville, North Carolina where the Chamber of Commerce on line stated that there is a bounty of affordable artist housing. Guess what? The rents are extravagant. I had to leave after the ‘affordable’ rent in one community project asked me to leave, and I seriously didn’t want to dip into $600, $700 + rents for a room. I write, draw, paint, take photographs, play piano, electric bass guitar and compose electronic music….and can not find anywhere yet to live. I’ve tried workaway dot com and WWOOF’s and if you sneeze wrong, the person can boot you out with no protection. I have been homeless the last 3 days, yet I will soon make something work.
Where did u finally find the best situation for urself …. am much older adult & just now making chance to get back to my major .. painting .., am facing economic similar situation in few mos .. & don’t want restricted living surroundings … artist communities in affordable prices are what I’m after … did not know Paducah ,Ky was so developed in the arts …? Majored in FA in St Louis ..what would u suggest as best source .,site or info that u may have run across in ur search …?
Hi,
Pawtucket, RI has a great artists relocation program…they not only have relocation stipends, but they also allow artists to work and sell work without paying income or sales tax. Check out:http://www.pawtucketri.com/arts/plan/
I am currently looking at relocating to Asheville or Marshall NC but they do not have a relocation incentive. Simply, there is a big arts scene growing bigger every year and also a lot of wealthy people coming there to see and buy art. I live in Stonington, Maine in summer and that is also a great arts destination but not enough to sustain year round.
I am kicking myself for not getting in on the “ground floor” of Paducah back in 2002 when I lived in LA and first heard about it. Now, the property values are thru the roof and totally unaffordable for real working artists without a nest egg.
Thanks for the great blog!
I live/work in downtown LA. Yes, it’s very expensive and not really very artist friendly. But I’m hoping to help change that. The owner of the building where I live just bought a building that is designated Low-Income only. So I suggested that he create a “low-income artist building”. He loved the idea and asked me to help. We now have a meeting with our City Council Person to help pave the way. If it works, the building owner will expand the project to other buildings he owns and Los Angeles will have it’s first official arts housing project.
If you are interested, or can help – please stay in touch with me.
I sent you an email Bettie.
Hi Abundant artist. I’m in Portland looking for a place to create my Epicst Arts. My english is very limited online. Do you have any info of were I can find a art living place around here? Any info would be very appreciated. Thanks
I live in Portland, Or and would like to know if there’s an artist residence in this area?
Hello Abundant Artist! Can you tell me about artists communities in the Pacific Northwest or Northern California? Also, are there any organizations you’re aware of out there who help assist disabled artists?
I am currently working of turning a large acreage in Central Oregon into an artist collective. For now, we just have a page up on FB “No Expectations Artist Collective” pop by and say hi.
D
Hi Derek! I am in Eugene, and am interested in this similar thing. I’m in Eugene, and would love to find out more about your set-up.
I am looking for a place to move to and settle for the rest of my life. I am an artist but not a natural one (I try and have my fingers in many pies to keep me interested) but art is all I want to do. I would love to find a place where like-minded people can live and make a living sell their art, even to just make the rent! Am I dreaming?
Hi Abundant Artist! I am trying to create a space in a rural area in the northeast that does not have a program like this. Do you have any insight into what agencies (city, county, state, federal)might be approached and open to this.
Hello Axel,
Just was surfing looking for a lucky break and a place to be creative and live … What about Bennington Vermont ? I grew up there and spent summers at the VT Arts Exchange…. way cool
How far have you come on the project in LA? My dad is a “displaced” artist in search of a community to Thrive in….I am very interested.
Hey Connie – I haven’t done much research lately on LA. Most of what I have added over the past six months has been brought to me via email and the comments here. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Hi Betty,
I am very interested in making LA my new homebase and am currently here for a few more weeks looking at spaces and scoping out the possibilities. Please contact me at tallartist@hotmail.com or 270-243-0444.
I have settle in Baja California Norte. For updated informaton please visit
http://www.facebook.com/gretchensmithart
http://www.facebook.com/tallartist
Betty,
Would be very interested in learning about the art location going on in LA.
I am also very interested in love/work space that is low income in LA. Does not have to be downtown. Please let me know if you know of anything or anything comes up! Thanks so much!
I’m also interested in an affordable live/work space for artists in L.A.
I had a warehouse in dtla 2 yrs ago.Other artists in bldg,tons of street art and murals created all around me, could watch them go up from my huge windows. Was somewhat affordable depending on how you make your money. $2000 for 1700 sq ft raw space to build out how you want (i Did) tons of light ,space,but no actual amenities what so ever. No kitchen, shower , NO AIR COND! It was 83-103′ inside at night in rooms that we built. After investing what I had in the bld out there was no cash left for AC @ 12,000. install. Debilitating…. had to leave…… however, Im looking to go back and do it better this time and have been scouring the ads there are some tru art loft live works at better prices than I would have thought, just over $1 a sq ft not like all the new $2-3 sq.ft new “Artist Lofts”. I can give you more info if you want …. Best of luck SH
Hi there,
This sounds great can you tell me more about your plans and ideas?
m
I’m 53 years old retired on disability who make my living painting canvas wooden pallets I lost everything in Hurricane Michael and I’m seeking somewhere to live in or around Pensacola Florida I have no resources no money and I lost everything
Let me know if you have come up with anything. Florida seems to be the worst of the worse as far as artist support goes. I would love to see some replies of other Floridians that know of anything.
Hello Shannon,
I just came across your posting and am inquiring about the affordable housing for artists that you seemed to have some insight into. I’m an older artist looking for affordable housing in L.A. and thought you might have some insight. You can reach me at 1artdude@gmail.com and you can view my art at http://www.prestonfinearts.com.
Thank you,
Preston Craig
I just saw your pos.t I am interested. I live in orange county and we have nothing here. I am a senior citizen I draw, and design jewelry. I am a retired musician. I am presently studying bass and art. I would love to get to know and possibly befriend other artists.
Please let me know what I can do from here and I am also very low income.
Respectfully,
Stephanie Soukup
Hi Stephanie, are you still in Orange County? I have a friend who also is an artist & musician (singer), a senior citizen and low-income looking for alternate living situations. I would love to try and connect you two!
Hi Debra: here it is 2018 and yes, i am still in orange county. I am still trying to get out. i would love to connect with you senior friend who is an artist and and singer. here is my email addy: aladyim1@gmail.com please put your name so i can delete all the unknowns that i get. stephanie
Is your artist affordable housing project finished in LA? Just
wondering if you have updates and applications available
to throw my hat in the ring for housing.
Thanks in advance for responding
Jean B
I would LOVE to find something like this!!! I am a writer, comedian, and singer while being a mom. Half of the rents are TOO awful where I am and not a place to raise a growing young artist. I have written grants and went to Law School so I have some skills that could be of service to your friend.
Where are you in LA and can you tell me more about this building
Please let me know if you might email me on the low income artists loft in Los Angeles
I’m a Los Angeles artist seeking housing. meerothree2018@mail.com
Hello Bettie,
I just came across your posting and was wondering how the artists housing complex you were working to put together, came out. I’m an older artist looking for affordable housing in L.A. and thought you might have some insight. You can reach me at 1artdude@gmail.com and you can view my art at http://www.prestonfinearts.com.
Thank you,
Preston Craig
I would love that Wow! A real Artists community and housing!!
I’d love more info. My email is bookings@angelashante.com
Hello Bette, do you still have any info on this? I’m looking for artist affordable housing in Los Angeles.
I’m interested. I would love to learn more! http://Www.Joshualance.com
Hi Bettie, how do I get more information?
Thank you, Bettie. My e-mail is lenlil@sbcglobal.net. Grateful for your research and concern for the artists.
looks like Im a decade too late but looking for exactly this!
I also seem to be a decade late
Well now we are in 2023…. Any new art work live spaces open?
Hi Bettie,
My name is Odessa. My daughter and I are artisans residing in Savannah, Georgia. I design handcrafted jewelry and she’s a illustrator. I’m just discovering this article many years later. Are you still affiliated with this endeavor? How can we explore it further?
Thank you in advance!
Great information here and seems well worth investigating!
In portland, maine they put up a new housing project for artists 2 years ago. it’s called, parkside studios. they turned an old school house into low-cost condominiums for artists. i believe the city is trying to do what KY is doing. it’s a cool idea but the condos are located in a terrible part of town. anyone who knows the area would never live there.
i’m trying to find housing, and altho i’m not an artist yet, i wish i could find a building with artists. there’s no place i’d rather be while i work on my skills. i think alot of artists and students, etc feel that way, and i wonder why we don’t see more live/work housing. i’m sure it would attract many more artists to the area.
if anyone knows about any housing for artists / students in maine, nh, or mass., please post about it. or email me at: iloveart at myfairpoint.net
Hey Denise. Thanks for stopping by. Most of these sorts of projects are in run-down buildings or in bad parts of town. That’s why they’re done. It helps revive that part of the city and bring in more tax revenue. The successful projects partner with local law enforcement and civic authorities to help artists clean up those neighborhoods and make them safe.
The reason projects like this aren’t more popular is because they’re expensive and many people see art as a ‘nice to have.’ They don’t see the economic impact that it can have on a local economy. That said, if more people were advocating for these kinds of projects, then more of them would be done.
Most areas that they revitalize as a Art District usually does improve quite quickly. Sometimes it’s best to be the first to move into an area like that because after the fact it becomes too pricey. Take for example, Soho, NY Asheville NC LA, San Fransisco, Tenn and now Texas, Rhode Island, Detroit and Kentucky. Best to be the early bird and be positive that their are people offering Artists affordable housing opportunities in the first place. ?
I comepletely agree with you. I stated above that we should be more appreciative for the individuals who are generous to off Artstnaffordable housing opportunities because for over a decade or two that wasn’t happening. History shows that Artists have always been the first on the scene to move to an affordable area and cause the revitalization of an area because people always follow the creative, inspiring, intellectual environment that Artists create. Bohemian life style. Coffee shops, Galleries, Artists, cafes, bookstores and unique shops and fine dining., music. That’s because we’re cool ! ? Someone has to start it and you could say we are creating a better world through aesthetics ??
The minute artists move into a community non-artists move there to take over and the prices rise as everyone thinks it’s cool to live in an artist community. It’s not cool it’s stupid. The artists can’t afford to move in after the prices rise too high. It then is no longer an “Artists community” as they have to leave. It’s happened to me three times in the past and have had to move. So tired of this.
Just to pick some brains a little more. I work for a small arts organization (budget under $200k) that has been approached by a property owner to consider creating an artist relocation program. This wouldn’t be about revitilizing rundown areas at this point but about selling properties. We are in a small, historical, beautiful town on the south east coast (city population about 10,000). Our organization is small but passionate about supporting the business growth of artists and as part of this we are looking to grow our arts and culture scene. We can’t guarantee sales (I’ve read that Paducah has lost a lot of artists because of this) — we can only provide a beautiful environment to create in and opportunities to participate in the ground floor of an arts and culture renaissance. What really are artists interested in when it comes to relocation? Thoughts?
OK…Here’s one you may not have thought of….
There is a huge generatio of Boomers who have worked all theri lives at whatever it took to get them from one month to the other, get their kids raised and educated, their mortgages paid, and all of that.
Many of these people have also always loved the arts and done as much art as time and money would allow.
Now that we are retiring, many of us are faced with the problem of relocating and also finding a place where we can (FINALLY) settle down and do the art we have always loved– whatever craft or skill that may be.
I am not suggesting that you compromise the vitality and youth of your art program-project-community and turn it into an old folks hobby center, but here are a few points:
1. Older residents provide stability to a community
2. Older residents, especially boomers, know how to get things done
3. Older residents also bring in money to a community — eventhose of us who willbe retiring with very modest pensions and SS
4. Older residents are going to spend their money where they are — and that includes services as well as goods.
5. Generally, older citizens are pretty practical and good housekeepeers
6. Older citizens not only care about ecology etc but have the time to focus on these things
For myself, I am looking for a community where I don’t depend on a car, where I can feel safe, where I am not burdened with a lot of maintenance.
I have been looking at some pre-fab and obile home parks, and they(some of them) actually look lovely — and much more luxuious than many pricey apartments.
Please remember us — we have A LOT to offer, and are at a point where we don’t care about competing with other people — we pretty much know who we are and what we want to do.
Thanks for listening!
Roz
@roz You are so right on but I would say we are blooming cool mellow yellow rocking hipsters!
Hi Roz:
I too am an older citizen artist. I live where there are no artist communities. except for very expensive lofts and very few of those. My main concern is getting to know other artists to communicate ith. I am low income and cannot afford to rent a loft. Low income here is 35,000 to 58,000 dollars a year.I live in orange county, ca. I just felt like touching basses with you.
Stephanie Soukup
cannot agree more, I too am an artist looking for a safe and affordable place to retire and concentrate on my art and healing arts workshop business, feeling a bit hopeless at the moment but happy to find this site, any direction would be appreciated
Yes, older, or in my case, middle-aged now, folks can add a lot. There’s something to be said for aged wisdom and experience. Something that I’m only just now starting to begin to experience and to really appreciate in others older than myself.
I’ve also been displaced as I lost pretty much everything because of an ill family member. Now, I’m having to start over, but certainly not afraid of hard work and I know I have a lot to give as an artist and human. I’m currently floundering between the central coast of California and Bay Area and trying to figure out where to try to dig in and start. I have family in New England and that area could be a possibility, too. If anyone has some suggestions? 🙂
Midcoast Maine has thriving artist communities in the sense of numerous galleries, and arts organizations including an artist coop in Rockland, Maine. I’m sure there are others.
Thanks Janer. I’ll look into Maine. I love it there. Do you know of artists communities in the Pacific Northwest or Northern California? I may not be able to pull off a cross country move at this point. Also, how about organizations / communities who help disabled artists?
Well here we are. I too am an older artist, 61, starting over and I feel more vital and creative than ever. I too, need low income rent w. studio space, safe, community life would be lovely. I need to interact with people who are learning, want to learn and celebrating this life. I am currently making jewelry to try for some income. I paint, sculpt, dance and opened the first zen archery school in Chicago, 16 yrs ago. I am no longer in Chicago but it is going strong. I am a yoga instructor and have been recently assisting and learning yoga for stroke and Parkinson’s recovery. I have much to offer, much vitality and little money. I haven’t decided where to aim to land, it will depend on the choices. Hard winters seem like more trouble than they’re worth. I would love to at least chat with other artists. I wonder how likely this is to be seen in this stream. I do think organizing and working together makes things happen. Even two or three people together would be stronger than each alone.
I am also older on a fixed income who lost everything in Hurricane Michael I’m Desperately Seeking any assistance available to artists as I have nowhere to live
Wondering if anyone created has created a mobile home park specifically for creative people in Central California?
Hi Sweet Marie, Sounds like we older artists are all in the same boat. I am starting over again in a community where I used to thrive, back when the money was flowing, I had money and I was married. It really does take money to make money it seems. I live in Anchorage Alaska again after trying to make a go of it in Austin Tx. The community there seemed to feel like artists were a dime a dozen, and I had a very hard time. I moved back to Anchorage because this is where i created myself, and my daughter and grandchildren are here. Having next to no money I am having such a hard time just getting my own place to live and work. I am living with my daughter, son in law and 2 grandchildren and working out of a corner in their garage. I am a glass artist , lampworker, and after many years of being lost I now feel more creative and have an abundance of ideas, I am grounded and feel if I had the space and piece of mind that I have somewhere safe to live that I can accomplish endless amounts of things. It is such a struggle all the time when you are trying to survive and be creative at the same time, right now I want to start a new series of flower murrini but need a lot of oxygen to accomplish that. The cost of living is so high and oxygen is 90.00 a bottle and when I get working I go through a bottle in less that a week. I have an oxygen generator that I work with on a daily basis to eek out a living but it does not put out enough oxygen to melt the size glass that I need to melt. It makes a person feel so stuck. Im pretty hard headed and hard working tho and never give up.
I started looking for artists communities that have co-ops where artists can live and work, and that how I ended up here. i am a teacher also but do not have the space to teach. Sorry for going on. I hope that if you find anything worth mentioning that you will pass the word. I hope we all find a place where we can become our best. p.s. Im 59.
I believe that all artists of all ages are very echo friendly, green, savvy, professional, passionate and inspired to work allot and hard. These individuals need to be supported. And why should Artists that are retired and not earning be given affordable livinf/work space for free if their not going to generate an income from that livable/work space. That’s what it’s there for to help artists generate income. To support the arts. So they are offered livable/work space (Loft Space) If I didn’t need a home and a work space I would just paint at home, however because I paint very large pieces I even have a hard time moving them and have to move them by truck. In my honest opinion, a grant is supposed to be money given to working Artists.
I agree with you! If you have anything else to say about this subject, contact me.
Hear, hear!
What is the name of your arts organization and where are you located.
I would love to learn more about your program. I am not a gallery painter, though. My needs are very basic. Just shelter and access to electricity. That’s pretty much it. Internet when available. All I can guarantee is I can generate my own sales online and of course, would love to spend my money in the town where I live.
Very much am looking for a small town where artists congregate because I want to be in a community with other opened minded creative individuals. Affordable is just part of living in a small town. I see many small towns with cute older houses, but they are very conservative. Willing to fix up a old victorian, or even buy if reasonable or move into a transition area, but it’s the community aspect that is most important!
Broken fork design renovates and sells affordable creative homes using local artists and reclaimed materials. Our artist builders have degrees in fine arts, local potter’s, make sinks and handmade tiles. We use metal sculptures and functional metal accessories from craftsmen. Reclaimed wood and materials salvaged from old bourbon distilaries, tobacco barns, old flooring from warehouses, gymnasiums & barns. The houses all sell quickly usually before they are even done. We would like to expand our business into an Art District, Looking for incentives.
We create affordable housing and jobs for artists, two things most of the Art Districts miss.
Hi Strong,
That’s a wonderful program. I am starting to look for a livable/work space for myself. A great place to put one right now is Ashville NC. They have a huge RAD District on the fast track and the city is busting at the seams with a rise on housing. Home prices are going crazy there and their literally selling thousands of homes a day. No lie. There is already one space in the plans. I would love to stay in touch with you regarding this. I was looking into relocating to Ashville because of their is such a huge Artist community there. I think if you offered Artists with relocation and grant program for the area, if given a grant, make it a requirement that they volunteer their time to either be a part of the revitalization of that project or another project altogether. That way it’s a win win situation and both are benefiting. It would be like an exchange, say Artists in Residence or Artists Revitalization Project, a City or County project that also improves the area. That way the Grants are actually going full circle so the artists are giving back as well. I also think with that in mind it might inspire more people to donate knowing that their donation benefits more than one good cause. Another great area that’s growing fast in NC is Hendersonville. All areas are growing fast, allot of relocating from California. And there are tons of dilapidated properties for projects. I have also renovated several of my own homes, sales experience, managerial experience and of course a Fine Arts Degree in painting and sculpture. I also have design, styling, special events, cold calling experience and building a clientele base. Please, let’s stay in touch and would love to discuss this further with you. Possibly some kind of involvement in your next project maybe even a grantee ???
Wow sounds awesome, I am going to look into this! Thankyou for information in 2017. I would love to find a community where I could get a hand and also give back .
Appleton Mills in Lowell, MA is an ‘affordable’ (low income) artist live/work project with 130 units that will open next April. http://www.liveappletonmills.com.
Western Avenue Lofts also in Lowell, MA is a live/work project adjacent to the Western Avenue Studios complex, designated artist only. WAL is middle income with units that were designed with a lot of artist input. http://www.liveatwas.com
I would like to welcome folks to check out the Goggle Works website in Reading Pennsylvania.
Five years ago we transformed an older factory building into work/gallery space for artists and now have have ceramic studios, hot and cold glass, woodworking facilities and other amenities. The area surrounding the Goggle Works has characteristics very similar to Paducah, KY (which has done an outstanding job with their artists relocation program). Our artist relocation program right now is beginning to take off; we have one artist couple in a recently refurbished home, and plans are in place for many more in 2011. Please check out the web site and for more information you can call the mayors office in Reading PA at 610-655-6234 and ask for Crystal.
Tom McMahon, Mayor of Reading Pa
Thank you so much for sharing, I am certainly going to check that out. I just went on another website and they have a waiting list
When Is Chattanooga going to have another opening for the art housing project…I am seriously capable and interested…..Thanks pcd
What great information. Thanks. I am looking to find a place that may offer more for an artist than where I am now. I will check these out and I will get back to you.
Darlene
Nashville is currently designing a new income based artist lofts community in downtown. Here’s an article on the development: http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2010/12/09/nashville-artists-enclave-mdha.html
Thank for the heads up!
The Hollywood Dorms is Artist housing for people in the entertainment industry. We have multiple locations all across America. For more information email thehollywooddormsmanagement@yahoo.com or call 1-800-450-5042 int. or 323-450-5111 U.S.
Hi Bettie,
I am an actor in Seattle looking to move to LA. I have artist housing up here but there in much more work in LA ofcourse. So Im looking to move, but I need affordable housing to do so. Please inform me as to what has occurred in your pursuit to create LA’s first official arts housing project.
galanerwin@hotmail.com
Wow I am so very glad I found this site. I’m an artist and right now I am need to find a place to live and work. I just finished grad school and prior to that I did shows and stuff. So I am eager to get back to making my works. I am thinking about LA or the south-west, but I’m open to other places and thus how I found this site today.
The Exner Block, Bellows Falls, Vermont — RAMP: Rockingham Area Museum Project
I wouldn’t recommend Artspace. Their live/work facilities are perfectly capable, however their only interests seem to be with their asset portfolio. Once constructed they pretty much abandon the cause and subcontract the property management over to slumlords with little to no compassion for the arts mission or the rationale behind affordable artist housing.
Even when Artspace was paying attention they moved in the first run of residents with pre-dated leases to misrepresent the time that construction was actually finished. Their was little to no interest or discernment based on artist qualification and most the selections were based on income/asset tax credit qualification. Many of the “artists” either did not even have any body of work to speak for and/or didn’t produce anything that even required an accommodation otherwise unavailable in the residential market. Mostly just a bunch of hobbyist arts and crafts people and/or writer/poets who saw the residency as a money-making opportunity. Those who took on leadership roles in the control of “gallery” operations in the common areas attempted to pay their rents by embezzling donation money from patrons and subletting exhibition space for their own profits. Some even went on to turn their residential zoned artist studios into commercial gallery spaces.
When I criticized these bad business practices to Artspace the property management began seeking routes to unlawfully dispossess me and eventually refusing to renew my lease.
Starvingtradition,
Thank you so much for sharing. I was just looking at their website last night. That’s horribly disappointing to hear. Great timing.
Wow very amazing blog.
Thought I would send an update on the Western Avenue Lofts in Lowell, MA . . . we are currently under construction and will be opening in May of this year. These are rental live/work spaces and occupancy is restricted to artists . . . artists must submit a current portfolio and resume or a BRA artist certification letter with their applications.
The lofts range in size from 782 to 1659 square feet. Rents range from $835 to $1595/month including heat and two parking spaces. Artists must pay for electricity and water. Most of the units are 25 feet wide with no interior columns, the majority of the units have one window . . . 8 feet high by 22 feet wide. On the first floor the ceilings are 13 feet high, on the second floor many of the units have ceilings that range from 14 to 25 feet high. The floors are sealed concrete. There is no elevator, but the first floor corridor is fully ramped and 8 feet wide. Doors are 42 inches wide by 8 feet high. There will be an area of raised beds for gardening alongside the canal. Pets are welcome and there is no additional fee for pets.
This is not an ‘affordable’ (i.e. low income tax credit) project. This project is privately funded and there are no income restrictions. This is a good project, designed with the help of the artists at Western Avenue Studios. http://www.westernavenuelofts.com
I live at WAV, Working Artists Ventura, Ventura CA. WAV is 2 years old, with 54 artists subsidized apartments, 11 homeless transition apartments and 13 market-rate apartments. It was the greenest building of it’s kind when it opened 2 years ago. Place out of Minneapolis built it along with the city of Ventura. Place builds green artist housing. We are always taking applications although we have no available artist units at the moment. We are looking for serious artists, masters program grads, who meet the financial criteria to come live and work with us to create an art destination in this New Art City of Ventura.
vonderg@hotmail.com
Vonder
Many cities in have affordable housing offices – and that can be one route.
For artists specifically:
Boston MA – go to Boston Redevelopment Authority, Artist Space Initiative.
In NY State check out Peekskill -on the commuter train line to NYC, coops you buy into, – they have both minimum and maximum earning levels
The Western Avenue Lofts in Lowell MA are nearing completion with opening scheduled for May 2012. We have 18 live/work units left ranging in size from 1060 to 1600 square feet, these are rentals and rents range from $1035 to $1575 per month plus electricity and water . . . heat is included as are two parking spaces. http://www.westernavenuelofts.com.
My husband (video/music/sound artist) and I (writer/director) currently live in Baltimore, which has some interesting artist housing stuff starting up these days: http://preview.tinyurl.com/6od3lwb .
We love our quirky city and our home, but are looking at all these same questions, whether it means living in Baltimore or elsewhere.We’re especially interested in what it could mean to be a part of an artist community in the “intentional community” model (owning your own space but utilizing some shared labor and resources, with all participants committed to building a successful shared community, not just their own careers, which seems to be a common pitfall in artist housing). We like that this could keep costs down and help foster collaboration and mutual support in a culture that’s pretty darn hostile to artists.
Places we’re currently thinking about are Berkeley Springs (WV), Pawtucket (RI), and Asheville (NC) and areas closer to Balto/DC, but we are interested in hearing how others are thinking about arts and community. We are used to “big city” aesthetics and yet interested in making a more integrated kind of life for ourselves. We are cautious about leaving an area where we have our university jobs and professional contacts (given the difficult job market), but are in full-out research mode and considering all options for now, including international options.
@juanitarock I was down in Old Alexandria 2 weeks ago and visited the Torpedo factory art center. They have a great art center which you probably know but no artist housing that I know of. My other dilemma is that most of these programs require a low income which excludes me. I would like to be in the mid-atlantic states so I will check out your link.
Sometimes I think about just stating my own but that must be very complex. Anyone know?Thanks
I am living in a geodesic dome home, remodeled in 2008, surrounded by trees, only 10 minutes from major freeways, yet it feels like being in Tuscany! Where – in North Tustin, Orange County, CA. My home is for sale, a PERFECT space for an artist, check out the web site/video tour http://www.19288barrettlane.com
Hi, I am an artist looking to relocate to a vibrant arts community. I would like to be on the east coast and near a waterway. I also would want to be in a live /work space with other artist. My particular desire is to live in a “adaptive reuse” building. Generally, these are old mills or former industrial spaces. Does anyone know where I could find a clearinghouse( inclusive website) on this type of housing.
One thought for you, but it is on the west coast, Vashon Island, off of Seattle, we have a huge community of artists here, it’s still quite rural and you have the big city only a 20 min. ferry ride away. Better than sitting in a gas filled freeway. It is an wonderful place the only down side is a very long grey wet winter…..but then most folks take off to colourful Mexico for a bit. Just something to think about.
Living in a community with a group of artist in formal art colony type setting has always appealed to me. I am thinking of relocating to a warmer climate with friendly supportive artists where I own my own apt/house/studio/unit. Sharing some studio facilities and commercial ventures or enterprise is useful and productive. I am a sane self-supporting sculptor and educator who has much to offer the right community. Do you know of a place like this or want to discuss the matter please contact me.
Hello, I am a professional ballet dancer. I moved to Newport, RI to dance as well as teach younger dancers. However I financially cannot survive. Can anyone help me. Otherwise, I am forced to return home or go somewhere else… I don’t want to leave these children or my company. Please help. Advice or anything!
city arts apts in Baltimore
Great website. Work with a non-profit that is looking to develop an artist housing / business mixed usecommunity in South Brunswick, NJ
looking to relocate ..low cost for fine artist..need community … exhibition and living space..
To All Dear Fine Art Painters
1. Dear Artists of Maine: Where can I find Artist Community(ies) I ‘m looking for a small house to buy that not too far from the sea in Southern Maine that have good painting artist group(s) that I can learn from or, and paint with.
2. Artists who want to live near by art community(ies). You should look into Scottsdale, AZ. It has so many things going for artists and warm weather with buses to ride if one want too. About housing that some for rent or buy that not too expensive. Or you can look at near by towns or cities can be cheaper than Scottsdale. If you are a 55 up years old and good(Must pass the boad) you can buy into a reasonable price mobile home in Oasis Park, Scotsdale,AZ on E.Thomas RD and 67 ST. check it out it is a good community that not far from Art School(s) and Art Communities . It’s a reasonable price but the price is coming up now and not many to buy, but check it out you might be lucky . (You must pay cash though- may borrow from some where else for it).
Good Luck and Thank you.
Pat
I live in Paterson NJ in subsidized artist housing (Essex Phoenix Mills) walking distance from http://www.artfactory.us.com
I’m a senior artist who’s been a professional my whole adult life and am far from retiring. Right now I live and work in the same space and I love it but the climate here in Jersey is agravating to say the least! I would love to have a similar situation but with a climate that’s conducive to more outdoor activities. Also I would love to be around more people and activities in the arts. Right now my work can be seen on http://www.fineartamerica.com
Me too. Alas am getting older but still working and would love to find a community of same–almost anywhere tho warm would be nice.
I’VE BEEN LOOKING INTO PADUCA KENTUCKY. SEEMS PROMISING.
Hi Jane and all artists who love to paint
You Can look into Scottsdale, AZ. IT has every thing you might want: Artists and Art Community(ies) too. Weather is warm. Good for out doors activities too. Lot of places to live(buy or rent)
Look into Oasis Park on E. Thomas RD and 67 ST. Scottsdale AZ.( if you want to buy but do not want to pay to much).
Good Luck.
Pat
I have a 1 bed/1 bath house for rent in South Joshua Tree. Rent is $740/mo. If you research Joshua Tree, you will see that it is a magical place with a very creative artist community. It is a place where you can truly be inspired and if you like hiking and the outdoors, its the place for you.. Contact me for more information
I’m pulling together a group of artists Boulder County Colorado to plan and develop an urban-ish artists cohousing community with live/work spaces, a common house including community outreach/inreach such as gallery and performance space, teaching, etc.
Hello Emily,
Here we are in 2019. How did your project go? I’m interested in doing the same in South Florida.
Presently, We have 36 studios and 5 work/live affordable units in downtown San Diego . Our goal is to build an arts center with affordable 25-30 work/live and 20-30 studios
I love your concept Cheryl. I would love to talk with you about your experience creating the 36 studios and 5 live/work units in San Diego. We’re planning artists cohousing in Boulder County Colorado with 36 residences and about 5 or 6 shared studio/work spaces in a common space with galleries, teaching, and casual performance spaces.
Can you please tell me the name of it ? Any information would be appreciated
Hi Cheryl,
I’d love to learn about this project. I am an artists and independent curator looking to create an art center with similar characteristics to yours.
Hi there al my names chester and im going threw a hard time..I need help on some input on were to go.I currently live in Txs and as I love it theirs not enough going on for me.Im constantly creating and I need a city that embraces that.Also with TONS of people doing the same.I need to be overwhelmed with other artists bad..Im really tired of no input on mine or no one who shares the passion I do.I live and breathe for my music for 15 years..Ive been feeling portland OR and could use any input about there.As in were I should live the scen.I do not want another plastic utopia as I call them to go andlive..I want to make a living at what I do just to get by and I know I can in the right place.If not i can help people learn ceartin instruments or even pointers on areas ive been doing for years…Thats a hole other thing but anyone anyone please please….Anyone can you help me?
I am interested in finding an affordable live/ work space to create art in an art community. Great with people and kids- can teach drawing and painting in the community, create art and live. I am a mature female artist but in great shape physically and a big kid spiritually.
Hi Jodi. If Colorado interests you, read all about Louisville Artists Cohousing community forming in Boulder County on our website. Join our Meetup to be kept informed of progress. We have 66 members now and 21 artists are on our core list. We are in the process of trying to get an artists community built — studios and 24 living spaces. To follow what we are doing join at http://www.meetup.com/artists-housing-community.
Just north of Cabo in a small, tropical, seaside community there is a studio apartment with sea of Cortez view on 2nd story is nearby community market, and annual art festivals of todos santos, San Antonio, and Los bar riles at low or barter cost. Must like animals and plants.
I just posted an option if you are interested
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Thanks for the list. It would be very helpful to include the name of each program, since the only two I’ve tried to link to lead to defunct pages; and I had to spend 20 minutes trying to find the page for one of them.
Arts District of Ada
Incentives $500 one time incentive
Definitions: An Artist is someone who produces an artistic or artisanal product, such as:
Musician, film-maker, ceramicist, culinary artist, clothing designer, dancer, fiber artist, haberdasher, graphic designer or visual artist.
Required proof: Resume or CV with four years of documented artistic production.
Application Process:
– Letter of intent
– Portfolio/CD/demo reels or other compilation of examples of work over time
If awarded the artist must sign a contract that guarantees they will live in the Arts District of Ada for at least on calendar year. The award may be applied toward rent or purchase of a space in the district.
Additionally, we have in place the following:
Live work Zoning
Smart-codes
Enterprise zone
Send applications for theAda Arts Districtin Ada Oklahoma to: bjessop@ecok.edu
Please add to your resources “Art Housing Projects Across the Country”above:
Louisville Artists Cohousing in Boulder County Colorado: A group of artists has formed to build an artists cohousing community with art businesses and art studios and non profit art studios. We are building a 36 home community. If you are interested, join the workshop for future residents. Find out at http://www.artistscohousing.com. Join the Meetup to get informed of progress and attend local meetings: http://www.meetup.com/artists-housing-community.
What I find so frustrating, is that there just aren’t enough “Artists Communities/Villages/Places” that are affordable for Artists & have the foot traffic that you need in order to sell your work. Selling online is fine, but even that gets slow at times. Most of these places that are advertised don’t have the people to generate the income needed for the Artist to not only produce their work, advertise it etc. but also pay the bills.
Case in point: I lived a short time in the Bradenton, Florida “Village of the Arts”. I managed to rent a little cottage & hoped to sell my work & teach there. Horrible place. The area is surrounded by a ghetto, so most buyers interested in art don’t want to go there. Most of the properties have been purchased by folks who do their art as a hobby, not as a living, so they don’t care if they sell anything or not. Many of these people live on Anna Maria, a nice but expensive island near Bradenton. The actual Artists who live in the village have to deal with all the poverty around them everyday. So, after the once a month “Artwalk”, or any of the so called “events”, an Artist is lucky if he makes enough to pay his utility bill. Some of the Island Artists may make a little more because they have has the premiere spots in the village a very long time & they’re not trying to make a living. For those who can’t afford to buy on the main drag of the village, or have one of the small Studios on the adjacent streets, the sells just aren’t there.
Don’t get me wrong, I really liked the other Artists I met there, some are friends, but the environment is not what an Artist community should be.
So, I’m back to wondering if there are any affordable places where Artists can live & work in a good area where there is enough buyers to make the relocation worth all the expense of going somewhere new?
I agree and am looking as well.
I think collaboration will take some artists far.
The Santa Barbara Center for Art, Science and Technology
Opening in early 2016
Bohn Farm Cohousing Community of Art and Farming is breaking ground end of 2017 with 40 homes with a CSA farm and art spaces and gardners/farmers and art-lovers artists. 1331 Spruce Ave., Longmont, CO. Call Emilie for info at 303-317-4558.
I am looking for a place with a thriving music community. I am a music teacher and composer, and recently I have been having a very hard time due to having no family left and having my car stolen. I know it’s a long shot, but.I thought I would post and see if anyone knew of anything I may be missing.
I’m a disabled theatre artist that is 48 and still working as artistic director at the theatre I founded in a major city (in flyover country) for the last 25 years. I’ve had a great career and I don’t want to stop making art but I can no longer work. I have chronic Lyme disease (which I contracted almost 40 years before it was diagnosed) and various other chronic health conditions that make working too stressful and exhausting for me to ever feel well. I’m looking for a retirement community for disabled artists that have made great, renowned work their entire lives until they were struck down by illness and could no longer afford to earn a living. And though I have made a pretty generous salary for where I live, my health care expenses have meant that I’ve lived check to check. I’m coming to a point where I either need to stop working a day job or stop living because I can’t get well while working (and I’m incapable of most tasks at my job anymore) and I can’t keep living if I’m not because I’m broke. I wonder if there is a place for me somewhere. If there were I feel I could make such great art if I didn’t have to live through the daily stressors of being the artistic leader of a midsize regional theatre, stress being one of the very worst things for Lyme disease. I’ve been working and in treatment for the disease for 5 years and I’m not getting better because I’m trying to do both. Each year, I can do less and I’m less able to handle the stress. Is there a magical place for a person like me to live (while continuing to make art) around other artists? Is there a place for me at all?
Good stuff. I’m 68, in excellent health and live at Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, FL in a HUD apartment. I teach art at the Suwannee River Studio here (I started it) and it’s been successful-we have 15 members. There is also a ceramics studio and a woodworking shop. My frustration here is that I’m still quite perky and see the possibility of an arts colony here-already has the facilities, they just seem to consider art as a nice hobby for old folks-which it it, but not what I’m up to. I’d like to ramp up the art emphasis and perhaps attract other artists and art buyers. This is a rural, lovely but economically depressed part of Florida. Love to hear from other artists out in the “real world.”
August -2020
After going through this list. Most of the list today is no longer relevant & the links either don’t exist or are broken & haven’t been updated.
For the artist whom are still looking for Safe adequate live work space I suggest looking into Finding some artist to create a co-op
Other ideas would be coliving/intentional communities/ cobuying etc check Facebook for intentional communities. Or you can create your own.
We are having ongoing informal conversations in an online cafe with a few experts on artist housing if anyone would like to join us. email popupresearchstation@gmail.com for log on info if you would like to join us. Every tuesday at 11am pst, 1pm pst.
Are there really any nice affordable areas for artists?
I couldn’t find anything before prices escalated so I’m thinking now is not better. I’m a ceramic artist but photograph, design, some app art. Write…
Etc.
I’d love to get situated for the long term. Collaborate.
Currently PNW location. Will move.
Need artist support, have lived before in area of supportive artists. It’s phenomenal. We need each other.
Also Interested in Central Asia, Silk Road, cultural diversity. Community. Textiles. Am Strong conceptualist. Inventive. Thnx
The Artists’ Village, a live/work development for artists, is set in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky’s historic East End neighborhood and is operated by Art Inc. Kentucky, a non-profit business and marketing incubator for Kentucky artists, and Community Ventures, a 40 year old community and economic development organization.
At it’s completion, the development will be comprised of 13 artist-owned homes – each one having an attached working studio – and a greenspace “Art Park” where community art festivals, poetry readings, musical concerts, etc will be held.
There are four primary floor plans – each one named after a prominent Kentucky artist – that artists can choose from and customize to a certain extent.
Mortgage financing assistance may be possible.
For more information, please call (859) 231-0054, ext 1023.