Detroit's 'Ponyride' workspace taking applications for residencies

Print Email Ian Thibodeau | ithibode@mlive.com By Ian Thibodeau | ithibode@mlive.com Email the author | Follow on Twitter on June 02, 2015 at 2:52 PM 0 Reddit -f7d954b5911e52f0.jpgPonyride in Detroit, located at 1401 Vermont St. in Corktown.MLive File Photo DETROIT - Rent at Detroit's Ponyride building could get a little cheaper for some. The Detroit "creative incubator" is currently taking applications for new Applebaum Emerging Artist and Knight Artist Residency Programs, which will award three selected artists with $2,500 in funding, free rent at Ponyride and a materials budget. According to a release, the programs are being funded by The Applebaum Family Compass Fund, which is matching funding Ponyride got from the Knight Foundation.

In addition to paid rent and the monetary award, the artists chosen will be offered stipends for professional travel to New York "with the intent of making connections with galleries, art spaces and collectors." Ponyride will award three other artists through the Knight Artisit Residency Program with a total of $5,000. While the Corktown 30,000-square-foot building at the corner of Porter and Vermont has hosted artists from all over the world, they're looking to focus on Detroit with this most recent round of funding. "This is a unique opportunity to elevate Detroit as a center for art and design, growing the city's reputation as an incubator of high-quality art," Ponyride said in a release. Ponyride Arts & Education Director Noah Morrison hopes "the work that is created during this residency further elevates the artists and the already vibrant community in Detroit. This program is much bigger than a single exhibition or visit to the city. These artists will be creating experiences for the community and themselves in the process." The open call closes Monday, June 29 at 12 p.m. Award winners will be announced the week of Aug. 3. The building Ponyride occupies was acquired in a tax sale by Corktown developer Phil Cooley in 2011, and leases space to artists and entrepreneurs. Ponyride charges below market rate for leasing space. Some tenants pay as little as 10 cents per square foot, but are required to provide educational classes to the community as a trade-off. To apply, click here.