SPACE Operations
Important Links
Who’s Who
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Full Time Staff
Kelly Burdick - Executive Director
Adam Mahon - Farm Manager
Amy Wolf - Director of External Affairs
Consultant Part Time Staff
Kerri Gaudelli - Digital Media Consultant
Leslie Gauthier - Administrative Assistant
Erica Laird - Bookkeeper
Hannah Myers - Grant Writer and Institutional Giving Consultant
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Henry Gibson - Ryder Farm Inc (RFI) Board Chair
Julia Gibson - RFI Board/SPACE Liaison
Betsey Ryder - Resides on property, owns Ryder Family Cottage Industry
About SPACE
SPACE was established for artists by artists with a simple philosophy: artists need time and space to do what they do best—create. Since our founding in 2011, artists, innovators, and changemakers have come to SPACE to do their most important work.
Through unique residency programs designed to serve artists of all stripes, social activists, nonprofit organizations, and parent-artists with their children, SPACE has welcomed over 1,550 residents; mentored more than 75 young professionals through fellowship and internship programs; and developed a national reputation as one of the most sought-after residency programs in the country. Through our intentional approach to arts and agriculture, SPACE on Ryder Farm provides a place to create, recharge, and commune.
As stewards of the farm, SPACE ensures the viability and continued growth of the agricultural contribution of Ryder Farm while connecting deeply with the communities immediately surrounding the farm. For its work in providing accessible organic produce, SPACE was honored by Putnam Community Action Partnership in 2020 as part of the Feed Our Food Program.
Programs
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A new iteration of our Creative Residency program, Come to the Table—a five-year initiative expanding the reach of our communal table to facilitate cross-industry communication and invigorate artists, innovators, and leaders to help rebuild a sustainable future for the arts.
For 2024, we are inviting theatre administrators and educators to join artists in applying for these Creative Residencies.
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The Working Farm is SPACE’s resident writers’ group, which offers five playwrights, composers, lyricists or librettists a non-consecutive five-week residency on Ryder Farm during the course of the annual May-October season.
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The Greenhouse Residency offers aspiring playwrights and lyricists who have not had access to the professional theatre community or training programs a week-long residency to write and participate in workshops with mentors and other professionals. Participants will be nominated to apply from a diverse network of professional artists.
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Institutional Residencies provide 501c(3) organizations and creative teams with time and space for the writing or workshopping of commissions, strategic planning and retreat opportunities away from the hustle and bustle.