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); be in the space and promote open hours the following two Saturdays (12-5pm); and give a casual artist talk during open hours on the second Saturday.

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)

Which session are you applying for? You may select multiple. Chosen artists will only be granted one session. See below for additional details.

Additional details:

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, 12-5pm
Move-out dates: Sunday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 16

Spring 2027: January 2 - March 17, 2027
Move-in dates: Saturday, January 2 and Sunday, January 3
Studio time at your convenience: Wednesdays-Sundays, January 2 - 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: March 20 - June 16, 2027
Move-in dates: Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21
Studio time at your convenience: Wednesdays-Sundays, March 20 - 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: June 19 - October 13, 2027
Move-in dates: Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20
Studio time at your convenience: Wednesdays-Sundays, June 19 - 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

Winter 2027: October 16 - December 15, 2027
Move-in dates: Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17
Studio time at your convenience: Wednesdays-Sundays, October 16 - December 15
Open hours: First Friday, December 3, 6-9pm; Saturday, December 4, 12-5pm; Saturday, December 11, 12-5pm
Move-out dates: Sunday, December 12 and Wednesday, December 15

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)

Agreement

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