Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Pylot Studios. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Pylot , so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
We didn’t know we were learning to take risks when we started Pylot Studios. We just knew we didn’t see ourselves — or the kind of work we believed in — represented in the spaces around us.
Pylot began in 2019, not long after we graduated from Sarah Lawrence. At the time, we were both feeling the pressure of needing to “succeed” quickly in a creative landscape that often rewards polish over process. But we weren’t interested in fitting into that mold. We wanted to build something that reflected how we and our peers were really working — collaboratively, across disciplines, often with limited resources but expansive ideas.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Pylot Studios is an artist-run curatorial platform that we (Yitzhak and Leia) co-founded to support experimentation, collaboration, and cultural critique through visual and performance-based work. We operate somewhere between an artist collective, a curatorial project, and a creative studio — offering a space for emerging artists and thinkers to take risks, test ideas, and build community.
What makes Pylot special to us is the way it creates space for process. We’re not just interested in finished work; we’re interested in what happens along the way — the conversations, the failures, the shifts in perspective. Much of our programming is built around that ethos, whether we’re curating an exhibition or designing a more informal event like a workshop, performance night, or printed publication.
Our most recent event was Trivia Night, which we hosted as a way to gather community in a more casual and playful setting. It wasn’t just a game night — it was a curated experience that blended art history, pop culture, and collective memory, with a focus on joy, accessibility, and group engagement. It reminded us of how much creative potential exists outside of traditional “art” formats, and how critical humor and connection are to the work we do.
Looking ahead, we’re continuing to develop new programming and deepen our collaborations with artists and organizers across NYC. We’re especially excited about experimenting with publication as a form — thinking of print not just as documentation, but as a kind of mobile exhibition space.
At its core, Pylot is about making space — for artists, for dialogue, and for alternative ways of thinking and being together.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on our journey with Pylot Studios, three qualities that have been most impactful for us are adaptability, collaboration, and a willingness to take risks.
Adaptability: In the early stages, we didn’t have a set formula for success, and things often didn’t go as planned. There were times when we had to pivot or adjust an event to better serve our community. Learning to adapt on the fly helped us stay open to new possibilities and allowed us to respond quickly to opportunities or setbacks.
Collaboration: None of this would have been possible without the support and input of others. Whether it was artists we collaborated with, venues that offered their space, or community members who spread the word, the success of Pylot Studios has always been a collective effort. We’ve learned that being open to different perspectives and skills makes the work stronger and more meaningful.
Risk-taking: Finally, taking risks — whether it was organizing a show without a clear budget or jumping into a completely new format for an event like our Trivia Night — has been crucial. At first, the idea of stepping outside our comfort zone felt intimidating, but over time, it became clear that risk is part of growth. It’s the willingness to step into the unknown that opens up unexpected opportunities and experiences.
Our advice for anyone early in their journey is simple: don’t wait for permission. Take risks, even if they feel small or messy. Build a network of people who share your values, and let your ideas grow through collaboration and trial-and-error. There’s no right way to do things — the key is to keep moving, stay adaptable, and never lose sight of why you’re creating in the first place.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Pylot Studios is always looking for new partners and collaborators! We believe in the power of collaboration to enrich and expand what we’re doing, and we’re always open to connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations who share our commitment to community-driven art, experimentation, and dialogue.
We’re particularly interested in partnering with:
Community spaces: Places that prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and fostering a sense of belonging. We’re drawn to spaces that are open to experimentation and that engage with local neighborhoods and diverse groups. These collaborations often allow us to reach new audiences and create more intimate, meaningful experiences.
Galleries: We’re always excited to work with galleries that value emerging and experimental work, and that are open to unconventional approaches. Whether it’s through group exhibitions, installations, or special events, we’re interested in spaces that allow for flexible, collaborative curatorial processes and that support our artistic vision.
If you’re an organization, a space, or an individual who is interested in working together, we’d love to hear from you. The best way to reach us is through email at [email protected] or by connecting with us on social media (@pylotstudios). We’re always open to exploring new ideas, whether it’s a one-time event or a longer-term collaboration, and we’d love to see how we can work together to bring art and community to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pylotstudios.com
- Instagram: pylotstudios
- Other: TikTok: @pylotstudios
Image Credits
Tianqi Liao
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
