Yes.

Based on input from a cohort of advising artists, dialogue with arts organizations across numerous sectors, and in accordance with the definition provided by the Gravois- Jefferson Historic Neighborhood Plan convened by DSCC, API uses the following definitions as a framework.

“An artist is any individual who identifies themselves as such, and has a commitment and/or participation in dedicated practice. The creation of art may be separate from said person’s source(s) of income.”

ST. LOUIS ART PLACE INITIATIVE DEFINITIONS OF ARTISTIC MEDIUMS

Fine Art: Including but not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, book art, mixed-media, and print-making.

Performance Art: Including but not limited to singers, musicians, dancers, actors, and performance artists.

Functional Art: Including but not limited to jewelry, rugs, decorative screens and grates, furniture, pottery, toys, and quilts.

Imaginative Works: Including but not limited to film, video, digital media works, literature, costume design, photography, architecture, and music composition.

Cultural Practice: Including a designer, technician, tattoo artist, hairdresser, chef/culinary artist, craftsperson, teacher, or administrator who is dedicated to using their expertise within the community to support, promote, present, and/or teach and propagate their art form through events, activities, performances, and classes.

Yes! API and its partners Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts and HFHSL will help artists create documentation to account for grants and gig work. It is important to begin this process early.

Yes, non-citizens are eligible to apply for API housing so long as their immigration status allows.

Income Guidelines API Homeownership program:

Yes! API strives to accept non-traditional financial backgrounds where possible. Please see the document that refers to the underwriting guidelines that will be followed for this application.

Apply as co-applicants. The application includes a co-applicant section that must be filled out.

Yes. Non-married partners must be considered a co-applicant or their income cannot be counted into the household and they will not be on the deed. Artists that have spouses MUST include their spouse as a co-applicant.

Yes. Households with multiple artists MAY apply together for the same home as co-applicants. 

Late summer 2024.

The home is a 1-story, brick, new construction home built with a vaulted ceiling. It is adjoined to two other homes in a town-house style. It will have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and is approximately 1,400 sq ft. It will include a waterproofed, finished basement where one of the bedrooms, one of the bathrooms, and the artist flex-space will be.

The total home cost will be between $165,000 – $185,000.

API will provide subsidies for most of the closing costs through grants. Applicants are only required to bring approximately $1,000 towards their down payment.

API has created a mortgage loan fund that will provide a uniform mortgage product at a 2.5 – 3.5% interest rate. Our goal is to keep closing costs to a minimum, and to keep mortgage payments (not including utilities, taxes, and insurance) between $750 – $800 per month.

Taxes will be abated for each property for ten years at 95%. You can expect to pay around $100 for the first ten years.

Nope. We will help you! As part of API’s program, you will be connected with Habitat for Humanity St. Louis who will walk you through the mortgage pre-screening and full application processes to secure a mortgage.

Unfortunately, there are few opportunities for awardees to inform design aspects of the home. For the most part, the internal and external design of the home will be dictated by the limits of construction financing and the home’s site.

Any major changes to the floor plan are required to be approved by API, as stated in the home’s deed.

1. API is able to secure government subsidies for its affordable housing development
2. API is able to take advantage of construction economies of scale through its partner and General Contractor, Habitat for Humanity St. Louis
3. API’s homeowners are able to access its mortgage loan fund that provides a 2.5% – 3.5% interest rate.
4. API homeowners’ property taxes are abated for ten years at 95%

There will be flexible space in each home that can be used as studio space. However, we recognize that artists will be reflected across many mediums, and it would be impossible to tailor houses to specific needs.

API’s goal is to build homes of varying styles to fit a broad range of family sizes. API strives to provide 2-story rehabs or new construction homes with a minimum of 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms and a flex space for art-making in each home. In future applications, multiple homes may appear as options which may include homes of larger sizes. 

Each application round will be for a phase of completed homes. Houses in each phase will vary based on construction timelines, however, artists will apply for specific homes in that round.

Each application round will be for specific homes. If the homes in that round do not fit an artist’s needs, it is recommended that they wait for a later round to apply. API homes will vary in size from 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms to 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in one home.