About the Grant
United Arts of Central Florida is currently seeking applications from artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs interested in a studio residency in the heart of Downtown Orlando.
By providing artists with studio space in vacant Highwoods Properties, Highwoods and United Arts strive to help local artists thrive and increase access to the arts for all people associated with Highwood Properties and Guests.
Studio spaces are provided by Highwoods Properties, Inc. and are located on the ground floor of several buildings, with significant visual exposure to downtown employees, residents, and tourists.
This is an advantageous opportunity for artists who wish to grow their practice in a dedicated studio, engage new clientele, and develop or build a teaching portfolio, with contracts for the studios of up to 12 months. With the goal of having these vacant spaces activated and vibrant, selected Studio Artists must be in the studio at least 4 days a week for at least 6 hours a day, for a minimum of 24 hours weekly. Available hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If chosen, the artist must provide two non-negotiable services:
- Lunch & Learn: a one-hour class/exhibition between 12:00 and 1:00 on one weekday per month exclusively for the building employees and their guests on their lunch break. Classroom provided (40 max) artist may charge a minimal fee for supplies.
- Open Studio Time: a regular monthly open studio between, 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. This can include artist demonstrations and exhibits. This can be a monthly cumulative effort, or each artist can have a monthly solo open studio.
In addition, because this is a residency in partnership with Highwoods, artists must understand that Highwoods reserves the right to end the contract with a 60-day notice and/or relocate the artist to a different space, in case it gets leased for full commercial value.
Studios will vary in size and features and further specifications are as follows:
- All spaces will have a 24-hour security system in place.
- Utilities and basic internet are provided.
- Artists must be 18 years or older to apply.
- Artists must live in one of the 4 counties United Arts of Central Florida represents (Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola)
- Each artist is eligible to receive one parking pass for the garage associated with their studio.
- Artwork is permitted to be installed on walls for exhibit and sale.
- Artists receive all the benefits of their art sales.
- Both Individual Artists and Artist groups are welcome to apply.
- There will be a monthly common area shared fee of $50 per artist.
Artists MUST agree with the arrangements mentioned above.
United Arts of Central Florida's mission is to enrich communities by investing in art, science, and history. We encourage artists of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, ages, skill levels, and abilities to submit. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in this partnership.
