The SU-CASA program is a three-month community arts engagement initiative that places individual artists in residence at senior centers across Staten Island. Artists lead workshops and classes for older adults, culminating in a public presentation such as an exhibit, reading, performance, or open house, which invites the broader community to engage with the creative outcomes of the residency. This program is designed to enhance cultural participation and enrich the lives of senior residents through artistic interaction.

Artists selected for the program receive a stipend of $6,000 and an additional $2,000 for materials and supplies. Individual artists may apply for up to two SU-CASA residencies, provided they submit separate applications for each. Organizations, collectives, universities, and students are not eligible to apply. The program is funded by the New York City Council and coordinated with the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), the Department for the Aging (DFTA), and Staten Island Arts.

The application window for the 2025 SU-CASA cycle opened on November 13, 2024, and submissions are due by January 31, 2025. First-time applicants must attend an information session, which provides essential guidance on the application process. The session schedule is available online, and attending is a prerequisite for new applicants.

Artists may simultaneously apply for SU-CASA residencies and other Staten Island Arts grants, such as DCLA Premier Grants or NYSCA ABC Regrants. However, SU-CASA funds must be used exclusively for the residency and cannot overlap with project proposals submitted for other grant categories. Applicants pursuing multiple grants must provide a plan detailing how they will fulfill the distinct requirements of each program.

Unlike Staten Island Arts project grants, which fund individual or organizational arts projects with variable award amounts, SU-CASA focuses specifically on artist residencies within senior centers. The fixed stipend and materials budget provide financial consistency, making SU-CASA an excellent opportunity for artists dedicated to teaching and fostering creative experiences for senior communities.

Artists interested in applying should carefully review program requirements and timelines, ensuring their proposals align with SU-CASA’s goals of fostering engagement and creativity among Staten Island’s senior residents. For additional support, applicants are encouraged to attend an information session and consult Staten Island Arts resources.