New York City's Rising Talent Takes Center Stage at the Bronx Museum's AIM Biennial
The Bronx Museum of the Arts is set to launch its seventh biennial exhibition, "Forms of Connection," which brings together 14 emerging artists who have completed the museum's Artist in the Marketplace (AIM) program. The nine-month fellowship, which kicked off in 1980, has been instrumental in nurturing the careers of NYC's most promising young artists.
Through a unique combination of seminar-based training and community-building, AIM provides its participants with the skills and support needed to succeed in the competitive art world. Unlike traditional residency programs that focus on individual studio work, AIM emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking within the artistic community.
"This program has been a game-changer for many artists," says Asia Stewart, a Brooklyn-based performance artist who was part of the 2024 cohort. "It shows you how to build a sustainable life as an artist in New York City, where it's becoming increasingly unaffordable."
By providing a platform for its participants to share their experiences and showcase their work, AIM has created a sense of community that is essential for artists navigating the isolation of their creative profession.
The 2024 cohort will feature works by 14 artists, including Stewart's installation "the money is in the blades," which explores themes of American identity and social justice. The exhibition, which opens on January 23, will remain on view through June 29 at The Bronx Museum.
In a city where artistic programs are often seen as essential to supporting emerging talent, AIM remains one of the most unique and effective initiatives. "It's been a pioneer in its field," says Patrick Rowe, co-curator of the biennial. "And now there's actually a great need for programs like this."
With its focus on building early career skills and fostering community among artists, the Bronx Museum's AIM Biennial is a testament to the power of collaboration and collective support in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts is set to launch its seventh biennial exhibition, "Forms of Connection," which brings together 14 emerging artists who have completed the museum's Artist in the Marketplace (AIM) program. The nine-month fellowship, which kicked off in 1980, has been instrumental in nurturing the careers of NYC's most promising young artists.
Through a unique combination of seminar-based training and community-building, AIM provides its participants with the skills and support needed to succeed in the competitive art world. Unlike traditional residency programs that focus on individual studio work, AIM emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking within the artistic community.
"This program has been a game-changer for many artists," says Asia Stewart, a Brooklyn-based performance artist who was part of the 2024 cohort. "It shows you how to build a sustainable life as an artist in New York City, where it's becoming increasingly unaffordable."
By providing a platform for its participants to share their experiences and showcase their work, AIM has created a sense of community that is essential for artists navigating the isolation of their creative profession.
The 2024 cohort will feature works by 14 artists, including Stewart's installation "the money is in the blades," which explores themes of American identity and social justice. The exhibition, which opens on January 23, will remain on view through June 29 at The Bronx Museum.
In a city where artistic programs are often seen as essential to supporting emerging talent, AIM remains one of the most unique and effective initiatives. "It's been a pioneer in its field," says Patrick Rowe, co-curator of the biennial. "And now there's actually a great need for programs like this."
With its focus on building early career skills and fostering community among artists, the Bronx Museum's AIM Biennial is a testament to the power of collaboration and collective support in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
! it's amazing that programs like AIM are there to support them, they really need all the help they can get navigating the art world 
. asia stewart's installation sounds SO thought-provoking and i love how it explores themes of american identity and social justice 
. it's crazy to think about how much it costs to be an artist in NYC right now and AIM is literally a lifeline for them 
. can't wait to check out the exhibition at The Bronx Museum 
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I mean, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned art program that's been around since 1980? It's like the OG (original gangster) of NYC art initiatives! Seriously though, it's awesome to see the Bronx Museum supporting emerging artists and giving them a platform to showcase their work. The fact that AIM provides more than just studio time, but also community-building and networking opportunities, is genius. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we get it, being an artist can be tough in the city that never sleeps... so here's some money and a bunch of cool people to hang out with." 
love how they're supporting new talent in NYC, it's like, so important for artists to have a community that gets them 
what i think is really cool is how the program focuses on building those early career skills, not just individual studio work, that way emerging artists can actually make a living from their art 
The fact that they focus on community-building and collaboration is everything - we need more of that in the art world. And Asia Stewart's work is going to be SO sick 
can't wait to check out her installation "the money is in the blades" - sounds so thought-provoking! 
June 29th, I'm there!!!