liberation
Collaborative Practice, Gallery + Studios
A Space for Collective Making
Liberation is a small, cross-disciplinary gallery and studio project supporting artists, curators, writers, and culinary practitioners whose work engages equity, social imagination, and collective making.
The space operates on a break-even, non-extractive model: modest fees support access to space, tools, programming, and visibility, while underwriting a larger cultural intervention rooted in care, rigor, and community accountability.
This is not a traditional residency or commercial studio. It is a participatory, artist-led environment for people who want to work seriously while thinking collectively.
Who This Is For
Liberation is best suited for artists and cultural workers who value process, critique, and mutual responsibility; are interested in equity-centered, socially engaged practice; want access to tools and dialogue; and are comfortable working in a shared, evolving environment.
What We Offer
Studios & Residencies
6–12 month studio residencies with semi-private studio bays (10×10 to 10×20) facing a shared workshop. Access to shared tools for wood, metal, 2D/3D, and fabrication work.
Sliding-scale monthly fees: $500–$900 with limited scholarships prioritizing marginalized artists.
Curatorial Pipeline
Short-term "lightning" residencies for emerging curators (2–4 weeks). Visiting curators and critics for studio visits and critique. Community-responsive programming shaped by residents.
Freight Container Gallery
A converted shipping container serving as the public gallery for exhibitions, screenings, performances, and pop-ups. Resident-led shows alongside invited and community projects.
Culinary Residency
Launching Phase II
Short micro-residencies for marginalized chefs and food-based artists. Container-based kitchen for tastings, dinners, and public conversations focused on food justice and storytelling.
Public Programs
Artist talks, workshops, and conversations (monthly or quarterly). Hybrid programming for in-person and remote audiences to foster dialogue and community engagement.
Digital Residencies
Remote residency opportunities available for artists outside the DMV area, ensuring access to Liberation's community and programming regardless of location.
Timeline
January 2026
Applications Open
February 2026
Studios Open for Artists
Spring 2026
Studio bays + shared workshop open
Spring–Summer 2026
First residency cohort & container gallery launch
Summer–Fall 2026
Curatorial lightning residencies + culinary pilot
Apply
Or schedule a conversation with us: