Harlem Studio Fellowship by Montrasio Arte is a privately funded non-profit Residency Program for international artists, and created by Ruggero Montrasio.

Established in 2007, HSF by MA is directed by Francesca Montrasio, and curated by Raffaele Bedarida and Teresa Meucci.

This program offers quarterly residencies to emerging artists to create new work, without any restriction in terms of media. The program seeks to encourage young artists to explore their creativity, through a total immersion in the New York art scene. Not only are artists profoundly encouraged to interact with many NY art institutions, but they are also asked to confront themselves with the singular reality of Harlem. Unique among the innumerable residency programs in New York – most of them devoted to the White Box architectural style – HSF by MA is an early 20^th century townhouse, with beautiful stucco decoration on the ceiling, and original wooden fireplaces and floors. Artists are provided with a small budget, accommodation, studio and exhibition space within the wall of this exceptional house.

The choice of Harlem, as the creator of the program Ruggero Montrasio explains, is not accidental: “This is one of the few neighbourhoods in the NYC area that remained deeply faithful to its traditions, and proud of its history”. Even though the block where HSF by MA is located is reflecting a controversial phase of transition and gentrification is expanding more and more rapidly, a strong sense of community and artistic tradition still exist in central Harlem.

Each artist will receive professional assistance during their residency. In fact, the staff consults with each artist in order to strategize the best approach in realizing their work.

Moreover, every residency ends with a group exhibition, displaying works and projects accomplished by each artist during his or her stay in New York.

Susanna Pozzoli, On the Block, image 1, 2007-2009, inkjet print, courtesy HSF by MA New York

HSF by MA is also undergoing intense editorial activity. In February 2010, HSF by MA expects the launch of the book On the Block. Harlem Private View, which contains a precious selection of photographs by the Italian artist Susanna Pozzoli. On the Block. Harlem Private View is a series of photographic portraits recounting the block where HSF by MA is located (121st Street between Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard) through a telling of the block’s interiors.

There is no open call to participate to the Program. Resident artists are selected and invited by a scientific commission constituted by Daniele Astrologo Abadal, Raffaele Bedarida, Teresa Meucci and Francesca Montrasio.

Over the past three years HSF by MA has invited twenty-four artists from all over the world: Cameroon, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Hungary, Korea, Japan, Sweden, United States. Most of them are increasingly receiving an international recognition.

For more information, contact Harlem Studio Fellowship by Montrasio Arte at www.harlemstudiony.org.

Teresa Meucci is curator of the Harlem Studio Fellowship by Montrasio Arte.