What is Studio Membership?

 

KUNSTRAUM offers Studio Memberships to artists and creative professionals, including visual artists, filmmakers, designers, architects, writers, theorists, and interdisciplinary practitioners.

Memberships are available for three, six, or twelve months, with options to renew at the end of the selected term for the same or another term.

As an artist-run community, our members are at the heart of KUNSTRAUM's exhibitions, events, and programs. Studio Members enjoy 24/7 access to their semi-private and private studios and become part of an international network of artists and cultural professionals.

 

Membership benefits include:

• 24/7 studio access

• Eligibility to propose exhibitions and projects in our gallery space (modest fee)

• Participation in professional networking events

• Promotion through KUNSTRAUM's website and social media channels

• A monthly newsletter featuring open calls, grants, residencies, and professional opportunities

• Access to 1–2 monthly curator and arts professional studio visits (modest fee)

• Participation in the annual Members Show (modest fee)

• Career development services, including portfolio reviews and professional guidance (modest fee)

• Professional writing and photography services (modest fees)

 

KUNSTRAUM is an artist-run organization built on a cost-sharing model. Our goal is to keep studio memberships and utility fees as affordable as possible while providing a vibrant, professional environment that supports artistic practice and career development.

For answers to commonly asked questions, please refer to the Studio Membership FAQ below.

 

Is it possible to join KUNSTRAUM as a Community Member without a studio in location?

Yes. Anyone can join KUNSTRAUM as a Community Member without renting a studio. Community Membership is available for an annual fee of $90.

Community Members become part of the KUNSTRAUM network and receive our monthly newsletter featuring open calls, grants, residencies, exhibitions, and upcoming events. Members are also invited to join exhibition openings, curator talks, artist talks, exhibition walk-throughs, artist brunches, and other community gatherings throughout the year.

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Additional benefits include:

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• Two complimentary social media features each year to promote your work upon submission.

• The opportunity to participate in our monthly curator and arts professional studio visit program for $80 per session, subject to availability. Community Members may present their work either at a dedicated desktop presentation space at KUNSTRAUM or via Zoom.

• Eligibility to participate in our annual Members Show for a participation fee of $240, which includes a professional studio visit, installation photography, and professional photography of the opening reception.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Member, please contact our Managing Director at md@kunstraumllc.com.

 

How do I become a studio member inside the lofts?​

Available studios are posted weekly on the Listings Project and the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).

To schedule a studio viewing, applicants must first submit a portfolio, work samples, or a link to their website or Instagram account for review. If you are interested, please email a brief introduction along with your portfolio materials to our Managing Director at md@kunstraumllc.com. Upon acceptance, you will be added to our waiting list and notified when a suitable studio becomes available.

Studio Membership fees vary depending on the size, layout, and features of the individual studio space.

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Are There Any Additional Fees Beyond My Monthly Membership?

In addition to the monthly Studio Membership fee, KUNSTRAUM charges a monthly
maintenance fee of $45–$50, depending on the season (summer/winter), to cover utilities, maintenance and facility expenses.

Many membership benefits are included at no additional cost, including promotion through KUNSTRAUM's website and social media channels, invitations to networking events such as salons, open studios, artist talks, and exhibition openings, as well as up to three consecutive days of gallery use for short-term projects, subject to availability.

Additional optional services and programs are available for modest fees, including:

• Bi-monthly curator and arts professional studio visits: $65 per session for Studio Members (subject to availability)

• Professional writing services: $50 per hour

• Professional art photography: $300 per session, including up to 10–20 professionally retouched images

• Long-term gallery rentals: Starting at $350 per week, with discounted rates available for multi-week bookings
   

Is There a Deposit Required for Studio Membership?
 

Yes. To secure your studio, a security deposit equal to 1.5 times the monthly Studio Membership fee is required before move-in. In addition, the membership fee for your first month will be prorated based on your move-in date.

 

Can I share my studio with another artist?

 

Our studios are semi-private spaces within shared lofts. To ensure a productive environment for all members and to comply with occupancy and noise regulations, studio sharing is generally not permitted.

In exceptional cases, we may approve a shared studio arrangement if it is compatible with our community guidelines and the specific studio layout. 

If you are interested in sharing a studio, please contact our Managing Director at md@kunstraumllc.com to discuss your request.

 

Once I am a member, can I have guests to my studio? 

 

Yes, but no more than 1-2 at a time. You must accompany them throughout their time in the lofts and carry liability for them.

 

Do I Need to Repaint My Studio When I Move Out?

 

Yes. Upon move-out, members are required to repaint their studio, remove all personal belongings, and return their keys. This helps us prepare the space for the next artist while keeping membership costs affordable.

If you choose not to repaint the studio, the cost of restoring the space will be deducted from your security deposit.

 

Can I Participate in KUNSTRAUM's Monthly Studio Visit Program Without Renting a Studio?

 

Yes. You must be either a Studio Member or Community Member to participate in KUNSTRAUM's monthly curator and arts professional studio visit program.

Participation fees are:

• Studio Members: $65 per session

• Community Members: $80 per session

Studio Members present their work in their own studio or via Zoom. Community Members may present their work at a designated presentation space at KUNSTRAUM or via Zoom.

Please note that studio visit appointments are scheduled in advance, subject to availability, and cannot be canceled or refunded once confirmed.

To become a Studio or Community Member, please contact our Managing Director at md@kunstraumllc.com.