Real Time and Space

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Real Time and Space

Address: 125 10th Street, Oakland CA 94607
Email: realtimeandspace@gmail.com
Website: www.realtimeandspace.org
Hours: Open by appointment

How is the project operated?
Real Time and Space (RTS) is a mix of things. The space is artist-run, however the studio side is set up as a business for ease of taxes. The residency is a separate program and fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts.

How long has it been in existence?
We started in March of 2011.

What was your motivation?
Initially we wanted to share studio space and build community. With 15 studios, it became clear that we could dedicate one studio to a residency program and which would mutually benefit the studio members and a diverse range of residents. Our principle goal is providing a foundation for artists, curators, and critics to develop and support each other.

Number of organizers/responsible persons of the project.
Currently there are three main organizers of the building and the residency program.

How are programs funded? 
The residency program is supported by the 14 rented studios, donations, and we are beginning to seek grants from foundations and public sources.

Who is responsible for the programming? 
The RTS residency program is currently directed by Joel Dean and assisted by Emma Spertus and Mark Taylor. Additional programming is organized by current residents and studio members.

Number and average duration of exhibitions/events per year.
We have on average one event each month and those are mostly one night affairs.

What kind of events are usually organized?
Each month we host RTS Talks series where we pair the current RTS resident with a local artist or art professional. They each present slide lectures or demonstrations about their work and projects. Besides the RTS Talks, we host themed dinners (Jackson Potluck and Cannibal Dinner–to name a few), workshops, discussions, and bbqs.

How is your programming determined?
The RTS residency until now has operated primarily by invitation. The RTS Talks are determined by the residency program, while other events are organized around the interests of the RTS community.

Do you accept proposals/submissions?
Yes. We have an open call for 2013 RTS Residency applicants, the application is available on our website. The deadline is in December 2012. As for other projects or partnerships, please contact us.

What is your artistic/curatorial approach?
We have a diverse range of artistic and curatorial principles at RTS. For the residency, we are looking for those artists, curators, critics, and designers who are serious about their practice, and who could benefit from a studio space. We rotate directorial duties for the residency, which also broadens the net of selections. In terms of other events, we allow them to occur organically and often mine the local art scene for contributions. One element important to all at RTS is to preserve a working studio atmosphere, which entails not over loading the calender with events or talks.

What’s working? What’s not working?
RTS is working great, we have our 11th resident and their traveling art library, Et Al Projects, installed currently. RTS has been asked to curate a room in an upcoming S.H.E.D. Projects show. Many connections, discussions, ping pong games, and art shows have been born since we began. Residents also make a document for the RTS archive as part of the residency, which is becoming a beautiful and original collection. The only piece that is not entirely developed is adequate funding for the RTS Residency program. We would like to raise enough funds to ensure residents have the support we are committed to giving them (stipend, travel, and housing).

What kind of role do you hope to play in your local art scene or community?
RTS hopes to support our local art community while building bridges to other art communities. So, far we have had residents from Brooklyn, Boise, and coming soon Philadelphia, Los Angles, and Atlanta. We really enjoy living in Oakland and part of our excitement about the project is bringing artists here and “showing it off” so to speak. We think that the Bay Area could someday have a great and supportive art scene. To that end, about half of our residents are local, and we hope that we can convince some of those to stay in the Bay.

What idea are you most excited about for the future?
Real Time and Sports, RTS’s sports and outing branch. RTS fall fundraiser. And, all the art that will be instigated, presented or made at RTS.

Images courtesy of Real Time and Space.