New York scholarship in Brooklyn in future

For decades, the canton and the city of Bern each rented two residential studios in the New York borough of Manhattan and were thus able to advertise and award two six-month scholarships for artists abroad each year. The end came as a surprise in fall 2017. The landlord, Bernese actress Linda Geiser, sold her property and terminated the tenancy, which had lasted for over 35 years.

Those responsible for culture in the city and canton examined various options. In the end, they decided to continue the city-cantonal cooperation in New York and to work with the new partner "Residency Unlimited" RU (www.residencyunlimited.org) to work together. The selected artists will now travel to Brooklyn, the center of New York's younger art and culture scene.

Founded by artists, the organization developed a multifunctional art space in a converted church in Carroll Gardens in the borough of Brooklyn as a hub and starting point for exhibitions, screenings, public talks and performances, but also for informal meetings of international guests and for their productions. RU also arranges studios, performance opportunities and apartments for international guests.

As in the past, the city and canton will announce two New York scholarships every six months under the same conditions. The City of Bern will be the first to do so, offering the first two scholarships in collaboration with RU for the period from August 1 to the end of 2019. In addition to a studio and (now separate) accommodation, the scholarship includes a contribution of CHF 15,000 towards living costs.

In view of the increased prices in New York, it had to be shortened by one month to five months. More than ever, the decisive factor for a successful working stay in New York is how quickly you get to know the "right" places and people. What Linda Geiser has done informally so far will be institutionalized in the coming years. Cultural practitioners traveling to New York will be able to benefit from RU's network.