The Arts Factory is taking applications for artist studios in their new space at 281 Industrial Avenue.

Elia Kirby, the president of the board for the Arts Factory Society, said the organization is primarily looking for artists working with industrial practice, such as ceramics, sculpture, metal, and fabrics.

“Ultimately, we’re looking for a community of builders, diverse artists, diverse practices, and people that are working within the performing arts,” Kirby said in a phone interview.

The city-owned warehouse near Main Street and Terminal Avenue was part of an initiative announced last year to lease vacant industrial space for artist studios. The Great Northern Way Scene Shop and the Arts Factory Society were chosen to lease the 21,000-square-foot building following a request for expressions of interest launched by the city in June 2012.

Kirby said the Arts Factory will be setting aside 8,000 square feet for the studios, and is planning to divide the space into three or four larger spaces of between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet that can be shared by groups of artists.

“We’re looking to either create groups of people that are doing like-minded work, or to have people come forward as groups already,” he said.

“We’re trying to have community, but we also don’t want to turn into a cubicle farm.”

The Great Northern Way Scene shop has relocated to the building, and Kirby said renovations in the building are ongoing.

The organization estimates the studio space will be rented for about $1.85 per square foot a month, including utilities and maintenance fees. They hope to have studio occupants move in by December.

The full request for proposals can be accessed through the Arts Factory’s website. The deadline for applications is September 15.