Bunker Projects’ Residency provides selected artists the space and support to lead a rigorous self-directed practice for a period of 4 months or one year. The program provides a supportive platform for artists to experiment, research and develop new works for exhibition. Bunker Projects seeks out resident artists with a desire to learn and exchange with others through their art making practice while making ground breaking, ambitious contemporary art work. The environment at Bunker Projects is energetic, hands on, inclusive and strives to be a safe space for artists of all walks of life. Visual Artists of all media and discourse welcome.
Application Fee: $25
Application Fee: $25
Residency Program
Open Application
2020 PROGRAM DATES
4 Month
Spring - Jan 10 2020 - May 1 2020
Summer - May 3 2020 - Sept 5 2020
Fall - Sept 7 2020 - Jan 9 2021
1 Year
Year Long - Jan 10 2020 - Jan 9 2021
Applications due November 30
Program Details
PHILOSOPHY + SUPPORT
At Bunker we support emerging artists to create and present ambitious contemporary art. Our approach is to support artists in the studio and in the gallery space. We will check in with you weekly while you are in residence, help you connect to artists in the community, and work alongside you to plan and market the show. In the last 6 years, we’ve worked with over 40 residents and supported artists with different goals. Some have expanded to new building and installation methods; others invested in generating dialogue with people in Pittsburgh to establish professional relationships or gather content for research. No matter the medium or process, we always embrace ambitious work.
TEAM
Bunker is a femme-driven, artist-led organization, operated by a volunteer board of directors. Bunker’s Executive Director, Jessie Rommelt is a co founder, artist / curator / builder who has been leading the organization since 2014. The team is made up of creative professionals working in fields that span communications, curation, writing, administration, and of course, art. We see ourselves as fellow artists and take on a peer-to-peer dynamic with residents. Meanwhile, we also provide artists with curatorial, technical and networking support.
At Bunker we support emerging artists to create and present ambitious contemporary art. Our approach is to support artists in the studio and in the gallery space. We will check in with you weekly while you are in residence, help you connect to artists in the community, and work alongside you to plan and market the show. In the last 6 years, we’ve worked with over 40 residents and supported artists with different goals. Some have expanded to new building and installation methods; others invested in generating dialogue with people in Pittsburgh to establish professional relationships or gather content for research. No matter the medium or process, we always embrace ambitious work.
TEAM
Bunker is a femme-driven, artist-led organization, operated by a volunteer board of directors. Bunker’s Executive Director, Jessie Rommelt is a co founder, artist / curator / builder who has been leading the organization since 2014. The team is made up of creative professionals working in fields that span communications, curation, writing, administration, and of course, art. We see ourselves as fellow artists and take on a peer-to-peer dynamic with residents. Meanwhile, we also provide artists with curatorial, technical and networking support.
SPACE + ACCOMMODATIONS
The second and third floors of 5106 Penn Ave are where we set up shop and home. Our space is a former abandoned apartment, cooperatively renovated throughout 2013. It’s a space like no other-combining studio, living, and gallery space all in one location above a lively all-ages music venue, Mr Roboto. Artists each have a private studio space (12 ft / 17ft ), a private bedroom on the third floor (with full-sized bed and linens), and shared bathroom, kitchen and gallery spaces. This unique experience living and working alongside a fellow resident creates fellowship and shared momentum that pushes residents forward. Bunker’s facility is a mixture of public and private space with scheduled events and gallery hours held weekly. There is a characteristic ebb and flow of energy that expands and contracts based on installations and events so it’s imperative that applicants are truly comfortable with this rhythm.
Disclaimer:
This is not a program for you if you’re looking to be alone on a mountain with no people or distractions. It is for people who are motivated by other artists working and sharing their day to day practice with the Bunker team and the Pittsburgh community.
GARFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD
Bunker Projects is located in Garfield on Pittsburgh’s main artery, Penn Avenue. Garfield has been evolving as an arts and small business district for the last two decades. Our neighborhood is the home of independent galleries, community organizations and activists, tattoo shops, cafes, a grocery store, DIY school, barber shops, and some fantastic owner-operated restaurants. In addition, it’s a short walk from East Liberty, Bloomfield and Shadyside, all great walkable neighborhoods we love. All this is to say that Bunker is located in the absolutely BEST place ever. Amazing people and everything you need nearby.
The second and third floors of 5106 Penn Ave are where we set up shop and home. Our space is a former abandoned apartment, cooperatively renovated throughout 2013. It’s a space like no other-combining studio, living, and gallery space all in one location above a lively all-ages music venue, Mr Roboto. Artists each have a private studio space (12 ft / 17ft ), a private bedroom on the third floor (with full-sized bed and linens), and shared bathroom, kitchen and gallery spaces. This unique experience living and working alongside a fellow resident creates fellowship and shared momentum that pushes residents forward. Bunker’s facility is a mixture of public and private space with scheduled events and gallery hours held weekly. There is a characteristic ebb and flow of energy that expands and contracts based on installations and events so it’s imperative that applicants are truly comfortable with this rhythm.
Disclaimer:
This is not a program for you if you’re looking to be alone on a mountain with no people or distractions. It is for people who are motivated by other artists working and sharing their day to day practice with the Bunker team and the Pittsburgh community.
GARFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD
Bunker Projects is located in Garfield on Pittsburgh’s main artery, Penn Avenue. Garfield has been evolving as an arts and small business district for the last two decades. Our neighborhood is the home of independent galleries, community organizations and activists, tattoo shops, cafes, a grocery store, DIY school, barber shops, and some fantastic owner-operated restaurants. In addition, it’s a short walk from East Liberty, Bloomfield and Shadyside, all great walkable neighborhoods we love. All this is to say that Bunker is located in the absolutely BEST place ever. Amazing people and everything you need nearby.
EXHIBITION + PROGRAMS
The Residency Program at Bunker is unique as a residency program that serves emerging artists in a live-work format which culminates in a solo exhibition on site. The install period begins the Monday before the first Friday opening, and the show is up for just under a month.
During the exhibition, we would like to hold at least one event of complementary programming like an artists talk, pot luck, or workshop. Programs and events may take any form including research, discussion, performance, workshops, lectures, or other collaborations. Marketing and event support is also provided by our team.
The Residency Program at Bunker is unique as a residency program that serves emerging artists in a live-work format which culminates in a solo exhibition on site. The install period begins the Monday before the first Friday opening, and the show is up for just under a month.
During the exhibition, we would like to hold at least one event of complementary programming like an artists talk, pot luck, or workshop. Programs and events may take any form including research, discussion, performance, workshops, lectures, or other collaborations. Marketing and event support is also provided by our team.
2020 RESIDENCY FEES
4 month - $2900 (725/mo.)
Full Year - $7700 (640/mo.)
security deposit of $200 due within 1 week of acceptance
4 month - $2900 (725/mo.)
Full Year - $7700 (640/mo.)
security deposit of $200 due within 1 week of acceptance
Resident Apartments
Note: we purchased new beds and renovated our bedroom spaces in June 2019. Each room is fully furnished with full sized bed and linens.
Photos by Rose Savage