AS220 offers residential and work space to artists who seek a diverse, stable and affordable studio environment. The residents of the third floor of Empire Street and the Dreyfus encourage a community of ideas rather than simply a community of tenants. Our goal is to create a cooperative living environment driven by the artistic energy of its inhabitants.

There are currently no vacancies at Empire and the Dreyfus.
Please contact Susan Clausen to be placed on a waiting list at susan@as220.org or by calling 401-831-9327.

Eligibility

AS220 seeks artists and members of the creative community who demonstrate a serious commitment to their creative work and a genuine need for affordable space. In addition, most of our residential units have income restrictions. If you make less than $26,500 annually, you qualify for our "low-income" studios. There are three "market rate" residential studios at the Dreyfus where there is no income cap.

Residential Studios

AS220 offers residential studios in two buildings: 115 Empire Street, which is commonly referred to as "Floor 3" and the Dreyfus, is located at 95 Mathewson Street, just a few blocks away. Neither building provides parking or allows pets, and both buildings are smoke free.

Residential Studios at Empire Street google map
Empire Street has 11 residential studios that range from 245 sq ft to 410 sq ft. Rent for these spaces range from $335 to $440. Spaces are leased on an annual basis and are reserved for artists who qualify for low income housing by earning less than $25,600 annually. Empire Street rent includes 24 hour access, all utilities and basic maintenance. Accommodations include a private room plus shared kitchen and bath facilities. Residential artists at Empire Street must be committed to its cooperative living structure. Every artist is responsible for 5 hours per month in volunteer service within AS220, communal chores on Floor 3, attendance at monthly floor meetings and respectful use of common facilities. There is a 5 year term limit for residencies on Empire Street. Every month, a visiting Artist-in-Residence lives and works in a studio on Floor 3 reserved specifically for this use.

Work Studios at Empire Street
Studios reserved exclusively for work range in size from 180 sq ft to 320 sq ft and range in rent from $95 to $222. Rent includes 24 hour access, utilities and basic maintenance. Spaces are leased on an annual basis. Accommodations include a private space plus communal clean-up facilities. Work studio artists must be committed to a communal working environment. Each artist is responsible for 5 hours per month in community service within AS220, and is responsible for respectful use of common facilities.

Residential Studios at the Dreyfus google map
The Dreyfus offers 11 low income residential studios that range from 356 to 515 sq ft. Rent for these spaces range from $420 to $590. Artists in these spaces dedicate 5 hours of volunteer time to AS220 each month.
Three market rate studios are also available to artists who earn more than $25,600 annually. They range from 485 to 495 sq ft with rents from $816 to $867.
Dreyfus rent includes 24 hour access, heat, AC, hot water and basic maintenance. Tenants pay their own electric bill. Accommodations include a private studio apartment with a kitchenette and private bathroom. There is no term limit for the Dreyfus.

Work Studios at the Dreyfus
Studios reserved exclusively for work range in size from 140 square feet to 518 square feet with rents ranging from $185 to $265. Rent includes 24 hour access, utilities and basic maintenance. Spaces are leased on an annual basis. Accommodations include a private space plus communal clean-up facilities. Work studio artists must be committed to a communal working environment. Each artist is responsible for 5 hours per month in community service within AS220, and is responsible for respectful use of common facilities.

The Application Process

Download the application HERE (1.5 mb PDF)

Applications may be mailed, faxed or handed back in person to:

AS220, attn: Susan Clausen
95 Mathewson St. #204
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-831-9327
Fax: 401-454-7445

Application Procedure General Guidelines

• Visual artists will submit 12 slides and/or a data CD containing images
• Performing artists, musicians, or film/video makers will submit a 5-10 minute audio or video tape.
• Writers will submit 5-10 pages of representative work.
• Conceptual or multi-disciplinary artists may submit a written presentation and slide/audio/video support material.
• Any other clippings, reviews, etc. in which you think we might be interested

Note: If your involvement in the arts is not directly through creation, but supports the creative community in some other way, please submit an explanation in place of your support materials. All materials will be returned by AS220 if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is provided. You may also pick materials up at the AS220 office.

Selection process

Empire Street

• One AS220 Board member
• Two current residential artists for the residential floor or one current resident and an artist from the community for the work studios
• The property manager will be available for any questions

Dreyfus

• One AS220 Board member
• One current residential artist from the building
• One artist from the community
• The property manager will be available for any questions

The Committee makes a selection and notifies the accepted applicant. The Committee also makes recommendations for the waiting list and notifies all applicants of the final decision. Chosen applicants will sign a one year lease with AS220.