STUDIO #400

We believe in the importance of cultivating creative space and prioritizing time to make art. A studio space and supportive art community are critical to an emerging artist career, however, securing a studio space is often difficult financially when just beginning an artistic practice. Our goal is to see what can be achieved when that barrier is eliminated through collaboration and shared resources.

Studio #400 is a new project led by artist Leslie Barlow, as a part of Public Functionary’s artistic programming. Studio #400 Collective is a 2,000+ sq foot studio space and artist community located in the Northrup King Building, in the thriving Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Studio #400 is for emerging artists age 30 or under working in Drawing, Painting, Collage/Mixed Media, Photography, Digital Media, Textiles, and Sculpture and Installation. Artists of color or indigenous backgrounds are prioritized.

We understand that emerging artists come in all ages, shapes and backgrounds, however, we are particularly interested in working with the 30 and under age demographic to support and cultivate young artists’ presence and work in the Northrup King Building (we see a need and opportunity for growth in this area). We are committed to addressing disparities locally and nationally for young artists and artists of color to have access to work space and career development opportunities.

Artists have their own space to work in, walls are open to allow for collaborative working and conversations. The studio space includes a storage area, and a clean critique/exhibition space for displaying work. Artists are required to attend one studio meeting each month with Leslie Barlow, and participate/be present at the two large art crawls the Northrup King Building hosts: Art-a-Whirl (May) and Art Attack (November). We encourage regular weekly use of the studio space (10-20+ hours a week).

Public Functionary will develop this program to support artists in building entrepreneurial opportunities and the economic viability for their work/practice.

In early 2019 we opened the first call for artists through a submission process. We are pleased to introduce the inaugural cohort of Studio #400 artists!