Park Plaza Mall will soon be the site of a new studio space for working visual artists.
Zero Empty Spaces, a Florida-based management company founded in 2019 that turns vacant storefronts into artist studios, is responsible for the venture, which is set to open in April. The studios will be public-facing, too, giving shoppers the opportunity to observe artists and purchase their work.
According to a press release, Little Rock — chosen for its “rich, collaborative spirit and strong support from the local art community” — will be the 31st location for Zero Empty Spaces and its third outside of Florida. Its two other non-Florida studios are in Napick, Massachusetts, and Richmond, Virginia. Excluding Park Plaza, only nine locations are listed on the company’s website, though, inviting some questions about the longevity of these operations.
Located in Unit 3018 on the third floor of Park Plaza near H&M, there’ll be enough room for 11 artists. Studios range in size from 85 to 288 square feet and will be priced at $3 per square foot on a month-to-month basis. Water and electricity are included and no commission will be taken for any art sold or classes taught in the space.
Per their website, Zero Empty Spaces artists have 24/7 access, unless “otherwise stipulated.” I’m curious how that’ll work at the mall. Seems like a pretty surreal place to work in the middle of the night, provided Park Plaza is okay with turning over the keys for round-the-clock access.
For more information, consider stopping by an open house and info session from noon-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. You can RSVP here.