About RRASP
RRASP connects artists, communities, and cultural leaders to promote contemporary art as a powerful tool for transformation.
RRASP History
RRASP (Rockella Residency & Art Support Program) was founded with a clear and urgent mission: to create space, visibility, and opportunity for emerging and underrepresented artists in New York City.
Born out of the vibrant, collaborative spirit of Rockella Space, and the needs and ambitions of our artist community, RRASP’s 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 community to take agency over exhibitions and community projects within Rockella’s empty studios.
RRASP was launched in 2024 by a group of artists, curators, and cultural workers who recognized a pressing need for more inclusive, affordable, and artist-centered platforms. Frustrated by the scarcity of resources for emerging and independent artists — especially in a city as competitive as New York — they came together to build something different: a program that prioritizes experimentation, risk-taking, and community over commercial pressures.
Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, RRASP builds on the foundation laid by Rockella Space, with an amplified focus on promoting contemporary art and cultivating meaningful connections between artists, communities, and cultural leaders. By carrying forward this legacy, RRASP envisions a future where art serves as a transformative force, enriching lives and uniting communities.
Artist in Residence Pilot Program, 2023
In 2023, Rockella launched its inaugural Artist in Residence (AIR) program, providing a dynamic platform for artistic growth and community engagement. Eight artists were selected through an open call for a five-week studio residency, culminating in a three-week exhibition.
During the residency, each artist transformed their studio into a solo exhibition space, showcasing their work in an immersive setting.
As part of the program, residents also had the opportunity to engage with the public through artist talks and open studio events, fostering dialogue around their creative practices.
The 2023 AIR cohort included: Craik Calum, Maia del Estal, Avijit Halder, Lola Lefrancios, Katya Muromtseva, Verónica Peña, Kristian Armour-Williams, and Shuai Yang.
Curator in Residence Pilot Program (2024)
In 2024, Rockella launched its first-ever Curator in Residence program, inviting curator Eunice Yuyue Chen to participate alongside the Member-run Level Gallery.
Over the course of three months, Eunice visited the studios of Rockella Space Members at One Eyed Studios in Ridgewood, Queens, and Brown Bears Studios in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
The residency culminated in Over-Compression, a dynamic group exhibition featuring the work of 23 Rockella Members across five galleries in collaboration with Level Gallery.
Additionally, Rockella Space has joined forces with local galleries and art spaces in Ridgewood, Queens, to organize Ridgewood Open Studios—a neighborhood-wide event celebrating the area’s thriving arts scene. Over the course of a weekend, Ridgewood transforms into an art lover’s destination, featuring studio tours, pop-up exhibitions, and special events that spotlight the community’s diverse talent.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, collector, or simply curious, these Open Studios events are the perfect opportunity to discover local art, meet artists, and be part of an exciting creative movement.
Rockella Space & Ridgewood: Open Studios Events, 2023/24
Each year in May, Rockella Space Members at One Eyed Studios and Brown Bears Studios open their studio doors to the public for a one-of-a-kind Open Studios event. What began as an intimate gathering among Members, has grown into a highly anticipated annual celebration, drawing large crowds and infusing both neighborhoods with creative energy.
More than just a chance to explore artists’ workspaces, Rockella Open Studios is a dynamic arts festival filled with exhibitions, live performances, and music, showcasing both Rockella Members and the larger creative community. Members are encouraged to go beyond simply opening their doors—Rockella provides empty studio spaces for curated exhibitions and common areas for music and live performances, allowing artists to experiment, collaborate, and engage with audiences in new ways.
Rockella Space: Empowering Members to Curate & Create
At Rockella, we actively encourage our Members to take initiative and transform empty studios into exhibition spaces, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
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 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.
Through these exhibitions, Rockella Space continues to provide opportunities for Members to showcase their work, curate ambitious projects, and build meaningful connections within the artistic community.
Monthly Member Features
Spotlighting Rockella’s Creative Community
At Rockella, we are committed to supporting our Members not only by providing space for exhibitions and events but also by amplifying their work beyond our walls. One of the ways we do this is through our Monthly Member Feature, an in-depth interview series published on our website and social media channels.
Each month, we shine a spotlight on a current Rockella Member, showcasing the work they create within our studios. Whether they are a tattoo artist, fine artist, master printer, or multidisciplinary creative, our goal is to celebrate their practice, share their journey, and connect their work with a wider audience.
Through these features, we continue to build a strong, engaged community—one that values artistic exchange, visibility, and the diverse voices that make Rockella Space thrive.