FAQ
frequently asked questions
applicant eligibility
How old do I have to be?
18 years old or more.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
No, but you cannot have owned a home in the last three years.
What defines an artist?
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.
My income is made up of gigs and grants. Can I still apply?
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.
I am not a US citizen, can I still apply?
Yes, non-citizens are eligible to apply for API housing so long as their immigration status allows.
What are the income requirements to apply?
2025 Income Guidelines API Homeownership program:
| Family Size | Minimum | Maximum |
| 1 | $21,700 | $57,800 |
| 2 | $24,800 | $66,050 |
| 3 | $27,900 | $74,300 |
| 4 | $30,900 | $82,550 |
| 5 | $33,450 | $89,200 |
| 6 | $35,950 | $95,800 |
I have terrible credit. Can I still be considered?
Yes! API strives to accept non-traditional financial backgrounds where possible. Please refer to the underwriting guidelines API can share with you.
I am married to an artist. How do we apply?
Apply as co-applicants. Both of you will need to fill out an eligibility questionnaire.
My partner and I aren’t married. Can we still apply together?
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.
Can I apply for a home with another artist that is not my spouse?
Yes. Households with multiple artists MAY apply together for the same home as co-applicants.