The Bayard Rustin Resident will be give up to one year of free room and board at the Penington Friends House which is collaborative living house on Manhattan Island in New York City. A non-profit run by the Society of Friends (Quakers) since 1897, the house exists to see what love can do in building community and of being of service to others. Only 20% of the residents are Quaker but everyone strives to live by the Quaker values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.

The 26 residents have their own private bedrooms and share communal spaces like a parlor, dining room and kitchen and many outside spaces. The residents and live in staff eat together enjoying chef prepared meals Sunday through Thursdays. They also share in household chores (1.5 hours of work a week) and make collaborative decisions together. The Bayard Rustin resident will participate in the life of the house, and will share the progress of their work with the wider Quaker Community through out the year. Progress will be measured through regular meetings with the Residency Manager. Success of the residency is measured in both how the resident grows and becomes part of the community and how the move their project forward during the year.

Applicants should note that the Bayard Rustin Resident bedroom is on the 4th floor of an historic Brownstone. An elevator is not available. Bathrooms are shared with other floor residents. This residency covers the cost of rent, boarding (food) provided 5 nights a week, internet, cable, and heat/AC. A stipend and studio space is NOT currently provided.

Here are a few types of artists and activists activities that we would be interested in considering.
– An artist working on a body of art that addresses racism and/or intersectional issues.
– A writer working on a new book, play, screenplay, or collection that addresses racism and/or intersectional issues.
– A performer creating a new dance piece that addresses racism and/or intersectional issues.
– A community based artist designing or carrying out a community based project that addresses racism and/or intersectional issues.
– An activist organizing communities to address racism and/or intersectional issues.
– A social entrepreneur that is starting a non-profit focused on addressing racism and/or intersectional issues.
– An inventor or designer working on solving a problem associated with systemic racism and/or intersectional issues.
– A graduate student that has a strong and well defined anti-racism project that needs support and time to launch.