Lower East Side Printshop is a nonprofit printmaking studio that supports contemporary artists of all career stages and artistic backgrounds in the creation of new work and promotes excellence in printmaking by offering opportunities to create, investigate, and collect fine art prints.

Lower East Side Printshop is a premier New York City printmaking studio supporting contemporary artists of all career and artistic backgrounds. In 1968, Eleanor Magid, an artist and educator, opened LESP in response to a major crisis: the New York City Teachers’ Strike of 1968, a three-month period in which the city’s public schools were mostly closed from early-September until mid-November. After this period of responding to acute need, LESP remained open as a community-centered, accessible art space. It soon became part of the alternative spaces movement of the 1970s, and it continues to be a major resource for artists, with its flexible 24-hour studio access policy, printing services, classes, and technical assistance. Currently led by Executive Director Marie Tennyson, LESP promotes excellence in printmaking by offering opportunities to create, investigate, and collect fine art prints. LESP’s support to artists includes cutting edge facilities, time, expertise, as well as financial and technical assistance. They offer residencies, exhibitions, education in printmaking and career advancement skills, and peer-to-peer support.

Jerome Foundation supports Lower East Side Printshop’s Keyholder Residency program. The Keyholder Residency Program serves 6 early career New York City-based artists each year over a 9-month term. Artists are provided access to free community studio space, equipment, and art-making materials. They receive technical and financial support, professional development, and exposure to unique exhibition opportunities. Managed by Programs Director, Kyung Eun You, Keyholder Residencies allow artists ample time to focus on their creative process and artistic growth, with 24/7 access to the studio and the invitation to experiment in new media. Artists-in-residence work on new ideas, meet experienced printers and art professionals, receive behind-the-scenes visits to museums and other NY institutions, and network with peers. The Keyholder Residency, now in its fifth decade, has been cited by many artists as an important benchmark in their career, often being the first major award that serves as a springboard for future opportunities and leads to a new body of work.