Creative Space Initiative is a need-based program committed to supporting artists and organizations in the process of creation by providing access to Museum of Chinese in America’s facilities. It welcomes AAPI performing artists (theatre, dance, music, performance art, spoken words, film, etc.), creative writers and organizations to utilize MOCA’s physical spaces during the operation hours for free or at low cost, solely for the purpose of rehearsing and developing artistic works. MOCA reviews applications every three months.

Selection Criteria & Regulations: 

• Selection will be made based on MOCA’s space capacity and availability. This is a first-come-first-served, need-based selection. There will be no panel or evaluation criteria.
• Applicants must present evidence of being a working professional or an operating organization to be considered.
• Applicants must present a project with an anticipated outcome to apply.
• Applications must respect MOCA’s mission, vision and values.
• Applications which present a greater need than access to space will not be considered.
• Applicants will be notified of the status of their application in the first week of each cycle. Applicants are welcome to apply more than once. However, MOCA will prioritize applicants who have yet received the support.
• MOCA does not represent selected applicants in any way and does not hold any responsibility, including programming, to selected applicants’ projects.
• The space may not be used for performances or presentations with an audience.
• All activities in the spaces must comply with MOCA’s general operation protocols and rental guidelines.
• MOCA retains the right to withdraw the support should any violation to MOCA’s general operation protocols or rental guidelines occur.

For Individual Performing Artists and Creative Writers:

• Space use priority will be given to AAPI artists, and the artists whose work centers AAPI experiences.
• Upon request, artists are responsible for submitting a short statement of purpose which must include how the space will be used and the total requested hours.
• Once accepted, artists are required to credit Museum of Chinese in America, “this project is made possible under the creative space initiative of the Museum of Chinese in America,” in all the digital and printing marketing materials, including programs as a rehearsal or development partner.
• If applicant artists receive creative fundings to support the proposed work, MOCA has the right to charge the rental fee with a competitive rate.
  Artists who are granted the access to the space are required to schedule their space use during MOCA’s regular operation hours.
• All activities cannot interrupt MOCA’s general operation.
• Artists must follow MOCA’s space use protocols.
• For other purposes such as public presentations, events or filming, artists must consult with MOCA’s senior team in advance and obtain an agreement.

For Performing Art and Community Organizations:

• Space use priority will be given to organizations dedicated to advocating for AAPI cultures and rights.
• Upon request, organizations are responsible for submitting a short statement of purpose which must include how the space will be used and the total requested hours.
• For other purposes such as public presentations, events or filming, artists must consult with MOCA’s senior team in advance and obtain an agreement. Depending on the purpose of the space use, MOCA has the right to charge a rental fee with a competitive rate.
• Nonprofit (501c3) and fiscal sponsored organizations are responsible for providing a certificate of liability.
• Once accepted, organizations are required to credit Museum of Chinese in America, “this project is made possible under the creative space initiative of the Museum of Chinese in America,” in all the digital and printing marketing materials, including programs as a rehearsal or development partner.
• Organizations who are granted the access to the space are required to schedule their space use during MOCA’s regular operation hours.
• All activities cannot interrupt MOCA’s operations.
• Organizations must follow MOCA’s space use protocols.

Application Link: https://forms.office.com/r/b6w4yDNq4g

Please note completion of this application does not guarantee acceptance.
If you have any questions, please email Dennis Yueh-Yeh Li at dli@mocanyc.org.