Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts

Overview

Founded in 1998 as a program of The Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (a 501(c)(3) public charity located in Midtown Manhattan’s Garment District), the EFA Studio Program is one of the few remaining non-profit organizations providing long-term, affordable workspace for visual artists in Manhattan. Housed within the EFA Center on West 39th Street, the facility maintains 90 to 95 private artist studios ranging from 200 to 440 sq. ft. Alongside member studios, the center houses the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop, providing a cooperative forum for artistic development, curatorial visits, and public exchange.

Mission

The EFA Studio Program aims to foster a cooperative community of professional visual artists by providing subsidized private studio spaces, career development support, and critical exposure. Grounded in stimulating the positive influence of art in society, EFA seeks to facilitate meaningful interaction between member-artists, dealers, curators, critics, collectors, and the general public within the heart of New York City’s gallery ecosystem.

Programs / Opportunities

• Standard Member Subsidized Studios: Highly competitive, juried 2-year renewable memberships offering subsidized private studios in Midtown Manhattan (open to New York area-based artists aged 25+ not enrolled in degree programs; open call each September).
• International Artist & Partnership Residencies: 3-month to 1-year private studio residencies for international visual artists (rolling application basis) supported by external sponsors, governments, or non-profit partnerships, complete with curatorial visits and Open Studios.
• SHIFT Residency for Arts Workers: A dedicated peer-support, mentoring, studio, and exhibition residency program designed specifically for practicing visual artists who work as arts administrators and organization staff.
• Short-Term Month-to-Month Memberships: Flexible, short-term studio rentals for professional visual artists based on space availability.
• Annual Open Studios & Educational Group Tours: Public showcase events, open studio weekends, and guided group/university tours featuring member studios and the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop.
• Arts Administration Internships: Professional spring and summer internship opportunities for undergraduate/graduate students (aged 21+) covering gallery operations, artist support, and exhibition planning.

Target Community

• Professional Visual Artists: Emerging and mid-career visual artists across all media (painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation, media arts) with established studio practices.