Artspace is a non-profit organization that has been developing art facilities across the country in an effort to transform the art scene in cities. They have partnered with the El Paso Community Foundation to bring affordable living for artists while cultivating job creation and developing the art community.
Roderick Artspace Lofts, named after Dorrance D. Roderick, who was a pioneer in radio, television and print journalism in El Paso, are located downtown at the corner of Oregon Street and Missouri Avenue. This location was chosen and transformed into the city’s arts destination. The Artspace project is meant to rejuvenate the neighborhood and add to El Paso’s existing institutions, such as the El Paso’s Children’s Museum, art museum, history museum, science museum and theater.
The buildings took over seven years to develop and build. The El Paso Community Foundation donated $10 million out of the $12.7 million it cost to build the project. The Artspace Lofts opened to tenants in El Paso in 2016. Current resident, Diego Martinez, a UTEP alum with a degree in special education, was one of the first to apply for housing at the lofts.
“As an artist, to live there you definitely have to stay active,” Martinez said.
Artspace currently operates 40 projects in the United States. Rent is based on the tenant’s income, and only people who qualify for affordable housing can apply to live there. That means that in El Paso, those who wish to live in Artspace must make less than $22,000 a year.
Non-artists are also welcome to apply, but applicants involved with and dedicated to the arts will be given preference.
The project works to incorporate artists as much as possible in the community. Artspace holds FabLab workshops, Proper Printshop, an art workshop and a gallery space, where they allow the tenants to hold shows.
Some of the current residents include photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, fashion designers, street artists, singers, producers and DJs.
“Everyone is a different kind of artist, so I’m curious to see how the brainstorming comes,” Martinez said. “I think right now it’s still getting settled. It’s a new location, new place.”
Applicants are interviewed by a community-based committee, which looks for applicants who are dedicated to their art and will be a positive contributor to the building and community.
“Part of the application process is that you have to meet with a panel of six people. You have to show why you want to be there, what you have to offer to the community, what you plan on doing with your art, and if you’re active,” Martinez said. “So for me being in a collective and also painting all the time, I was able to show that I was a candidate.”
Kathrin Berg, vice president of the El Paso Community Foundation, is one of the community members who interviews applicants.
“The process was not so much on the quality of art, that is something that you judge on your own. But the idea and commitment on being an artist and a resident in an artist community downtown, that was very important,” Berg said.
Martinez describes the community as doing more than just helping revitalize the city. It’s served as a support for artists and has even helped create different artist collaborations.
“I would definitely recommend it. I feel like I have a purpose there. Being there and being around artists, having the support,” Martinez said. “It’s gonna be a good center focus for people traveling looking for art. It’s been really slick; it’s been very nice. El Paso is kind of one of those cities where there’s so much talent.”
Artspace will be hosting a meeting with all current tenants and anyone who is interested in living there or joining the community at 5:30 p.m. on May 12.
