As we all know, residential real estate and new developments in Manhattan have shifted gears - focusing on how to offer their residents comfort and entertainment while remaining safe and within the social distancing guidelines.

A new initiative at 108 Leonard - their Artist in Residency Program (A.I.R), which is part of a larger initiative with the New York Art Academy (NYAA). The A.I.R. program was in development long before the pandemic hit. 108 Leonard, an original McKim, Mead & White architectural conversion in Tribeca, launched an exclusive partnership last year with the NYAA - a natural alignment that emphasized both partners' foundation in history, art and design. Through this partnership, residents receive exclusive access to NYAA exhibitions, private tours, celebrity events, private panels and talks, and more. 

One of the most exciting aspects of the partnership is the Artist in Residency Program, is that artists in New York have a very difficult time finding appropriate studio spaces at reasonable costs. Therefore 108 Leonard decided to offer, at no cost, large, light-filled studio space to students and alumni at NYAA. Artists are given coveted space to” said Shalaiwah Alveranga, Senior Manager, Marketing and Design at Elad Group. 

Artists are given coveted space to work on their art. Selected artwork from the Artist will also be curated to hung within the common spaces of 108 Leonard and residents and the public alike (through select events) will be able to purchase these works of art. Artwork and artists will be in rotation. The current Artist in Residence is the tremendously talented, Tabitha Whitley.

In response to the recent pandemic, 108 Leonard and NYAA have been working together to come up with alternative solutions to continue to provide art benefits and access through the A.I.R program.  Residents will be able to have first-access to NYAA's digital offerings. Additionally, Tabitha hosts regular livestream drawing classes not just residents, but for the public alike. After the classes, participants are encouraged to share their drawings with the audience. 

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