COMP Studios Artist Application

Do you need temporary studio space to complete a project and engage with the public?

COMP Studios (Creative Opportunities Made Public) provides artists with free, temporary studio space to advance their practice and engage the public. This initiative is part of Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s (RoCo) ongoing commitment to supporting artists and cultivating a dynamic contemporary art ecosystem in Downtown Rochester.

About COMP Studios

Artist-Centered Focus: Led by a small, community-based arts organization, this program is dedicated to supporting artists.
Collaborative Spirit: COMP Studios builds on grassroots efforts like First Friday (Rochester’s Citywide Gallery Night), 2019’s Current Seen, and is adjacent to RoCo's Upstairs Studios.
Public Engagement: Beyond providing studio space, this initiative increases public visibility for artists’ latest projects and invites audiences to visit and see their artwork.

Location

RoCo Upstairs Gallery: Located at 137 East Avenue (above the main gallery), COMP Studios will host two artists per session.
Community Environment: Residents share the second floor with RoCo’s long-term studio artists, creating opportunities for collaboration and networking.
Open Studio Events: Artists will exhibit their work during open hours on one First Friday (6–9pm) and the following two Saturdays (12-5pm).
Accessibility Note: The second floor has no elevator. RoCo Upstairs is also not open to the public during regular gallery hours, except on First Friday and occassional Saturdays.

Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from artists who:

Have a specific project they aim to complete and exhibit in the space.
Need studio space (i.e. do not already have a dedicated workspace).
Plan to use the space actively and frequently during the seven-week session.
Will prepare and present a public open studio event during First Friday (6–9pm) and be in the space and promote open hours the following two Saturdays (12-5pm).

What This Opportunity Provides

Free Studio & Exhibition Space During RoCo's Office Hours: Wed–Sun 11am–5pm; Fri 11am–9pm. Arrive during these hours, stay until 12am.
Community Support: Access to RoCo Upstairs artists and audiences during open hours.
Basic Facilities: Includes a bathroom and a utility sink.
Basic Furniture: One table, one chair, and one display pedestal per artist.

What the Artist Must Provide

Art-Making Supplies & Equipment: Bring all materials needed for your project.
Any Additional Furniture: Must be removed by the end of your session.
Installation & Hardware: You are responsible for installing your own work; only standard picture hooks, small nails, or push pins please.
Sales & Delivery: Artists handle their own sales and artwork delivery. RoCo takes no commission on sales from COMP Studios.

Details

Open Access: Artists may work in the studio during RoCo’s office hours (Wed–Sun 11am–5pm; Fri 11am–9pm), or arrive during these times and stay until 12am. Accessible through the main entrance.
Shared Space: Each artist will have roughly 300 sq. ft., half of the total COMP Studios space. Studio will be shared with one other artist. RoCo’s second floor is accessible to other RoCo Upstairs artists and RoCo staff.
Security: While the space is safe, it is not exclusively yours; be prepared to store or secure your materials as needed.
Materials Restrictions: The space is not suitable for heavy, dirty, or hazardous/flammable materials.
Accessibility: As mentioned, RoCo Upstairs does not have an elevator. Please keep this in mind before applying.
Hanging Guidelines: Only small nails, picture hooks, or push pins. Please do not use large nails, screws, adhesives, or non-artist tapes.
Temporary Nature: This program does not replace the need for permanent studio space in Rochester; it is a temporary opportunity of seven weeks. We are mindful of the critical need for low-cost, permanent studio space in Rochester—especially in light of recent developments (e.g., The Hungerford) and rising rents. COMP Studios is intended solely as a short-term resource.

Application Form

Name*

First NameLast Name

Pronouns

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Social Media Handles and Website*

Please upload a square, high-resolution photo of yourself (for social media).*

Artist Statement (6-8 sentences)*

Third-Person Artist Bio (6-8 sentences)*

Fall 2026: August 21 - October 14, 2026Winter 2026: October 23 - December 16, 2026Spring 2027: January 22 - March 17, 2027Summer 2027: April 23 - June 16, 2027Fall 2027: August 20 - October 13, 2027

Additional details:

Fall 2026: August 21 - October 14, 2026
Move-in dates: Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22
Studio time at your convenience: Wednesdays-Sundays, August 21 - October 14
Open hours: First Friday, October 2, 6-9pm; Saturday, October 3, 12-5pm; Saturday, October 10, 12-5pm
Move-out dates: Sunday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 14

Winter 2026: October 23 - December 16, 2026
Move-in dates: Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24
Studio time at your convenience: Wednesdays-Sundays, October 23 - December 16
Open hours: First Friday, December 4, 6-9pm; Saturday, December 5, 12-5pm; Saturday, December 12, 6-9pm
Move-out dates: Sunday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 16

Spring 2027: January 22 - March 17, 2027
Move-in dates: Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23
Studio time at your convenience: Wednesdays-Sundays, January 22 - March 17
Open hours: First Friday, March 5, 6-9pm; Saturday, March 6, 12-5pm; Saturday, March 13, 12-5pm
Move-out dates: Sunday, March 14 and Wednesday, March 17

Summer 2027: April 23 - June 16, 2027
Move-in dates: Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24
Studio time at your convenience: Wednesdays-Sundays, April 23 - June 16
Open hours: First Friday, June 4, 6-9pm; Saturday, June 5, 12-5pm; Saturday, June 12, 12-5pm
Move-out dates: Sunday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 16

Fall 2027: August 20 - October 13, 2027
Move-in dates: Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21
Studio time at your convenience: Wednesdays-Sundays, August 20 - October 13
Open hours: First Friday, October 1, 6-9pm; Saturday, October 2, 12-5pm; Saturday, October 9, 12-5pm
Move-out dates: Sunday, October 10 and Wednesday, October 13

Project Proposal (max. 15 sentences): How will you use the space if you are granted one of the sessions selected above? Please describe the project you will work on and the artwork(s) you will display during the open studio events.*

Please upload 2-5 high-resolution (at least 3000px) images of the project (or similar work) that you plan to work on in the space.*

Workspace and Facility Needs: Please describe your current workspace situation (if any) and explain how having access to this studio space would address any challenges or limitations you are currently facing. Why is this opportunity essential for your project right now?*

Please describe any technical or special needs you may have.

Please upload a short letter of recommendation (optional)

I confirm that I have read and agree to the guidelines regarding accessibility, allowable installation methods, and other requirements stated above

Questions?
If you have any questions about COMP Studios, the application process, or the program’s guidelines, please contact Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo)
Email: info@rochestercontemporary.org
Phone: 585-461-2222