INTRODUCING RRASP:

Since opening Rockella Space in 2017, our mission has been clear: to provide affordable, light-filled studios while fostering a deeper creative community. Over the years, Rockella has grown into much more — a place for exhibitions, networking, community outreach, and opportunities that go beyond just having a workspace.

RRASP was officially formed in 2024 as the nonprofit extension of Rockella Space —  built directly from the needs and ambitions of our artist community. Its creation was inspired by the success of Rockella’s Artist-In-Residence pilot program in 2023 and Curator-in-Residence pilot program in 2024 — but just as importantly, by the strong desire among our Members to take agency over exhibitions and community projects within our empty studios.

Rockella Space has always believed in giving artists the platform to lead by donating free exhibition space.

In 2023, we partnered with Brown Bears Studios Member Sfera Louis to launch Level Gallery, a Member-run roaming exhibition space. Over the course of a year (May 2023 – May 2024), Level Gallery successfully hosted five group exhibitions, showcasing the work of over 100 artists and establishing itself as a vital platform for emerging and established talent.

In 2024, Rockella expanded its support for Member-led exhibitions, collaborating with Level Gallery on  Over-Compression, the culminating group exhibition of our Curator in Residence Pilot Program. Beyond this, we championed a diverse range of Member-driven exhibitions, including:

• PRESENTATION, curated by Member Karryl Eugene
• Barro: A Latin American Exploration, curated by Member Alejandra Rojas
• Contours: 10 Studies Of The Circle And Square a striking façade installation at One Eyed Studios by Member Liam Minihan
• Presence/Absence, a multi-sensory, five-gallery exhibition led by Member Britt Harrison

Additionally, following the success of  Over-Compression, Curator in Residence Eunice Yuyue Chen was invited back to present Ebbs And Flow, a solo exhibition featuring the work of Paul Rho.

The demand for more opportunities to self-organise, curate, and exhibit made it clear, artists needed not just studios, but pathways to showcase their work and grow professionally. RRASP was created to meet that need, providing space, resources, and trust to artists to shape their futures.

Now, RRASP takes that vision even further. With access to three vibrant locations— One Eyed Studios and Decatur Studios (Ridgewood, Queens), Brown Bears Studios (Brownsville, Brooklyn), and our new Midtown Manhattan space, we are expanding the possibilities for artists across disciplines.

RRASP will focus on:

Year-Round Residency Programs offering both fully funded and susidized studio space to emerging and established artists.

Exhibitions and Open Calls curated by guest curators, offering fresh opportunities to exhibit work.

Stronger Artist-Curator Connections, building pathways to industry professionals and new audiences.

Community-Driven Projects that amplify underrepresented voices and ideas.

RRASP is dedicated to opening more doors for artists, not just to create, but to connect, to exhibit, and to grow.