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I always thought I’d wait until I was a “famous” artist to create something like this. But in January 2025, standing in my former Chinatown studio, I realized I didn’t have to wait. With tenacity, resourcefulness, generosity of spirit, and a deep belief in artists, I launched BolsterArts—a merit-based residency for emerging and mid-career artists who are ready for what’s next.

We offer more than just free studio space. We provide what artists truly need: curated studio visits and strategic introductions to curators, critics, and cultural workers who can move their practice forward. Our goal is simple and ambitious: for every resident to leave with more visibility, more momentum, and more possibility than they came in with.

Since January, we’ve awarded four artists (Grace Lynne Haynes, Cassandra Mayela Allen, Jasmine Murrell, and Chris Cortez) four months of rent-free studio space, hosted over 15 studio visits, mounted a two-person exhibition for Cohort 01 at All Street Gallery, held Open Studios and an artist talk, secured a group show at KAPOW for Cohort 02 and 03, and launched the Continuum Fellows Program, extending our network to artists later in their careers, working outside NYC, and those historically underrepresented. And through it all, our artists have the chance to earn up to 50% commission through our benefit auction—because support should be tangible.

This residency isn’t built on fame. It’s built on belief. And with your help, we can grow it into something lasting.

Where do we go from here? With continued support, I’d love to extend the residency to longer timeframes, increase the number of artists we can support each year, offer stipends for materials and transportation, and open the program to international applicants. BolsterArts was built on belief—and with more resources, we can turn that belief into even deeper, wider, and more lasting impact.

Cassandra Mayela Allen, "Orchard Beach"