Screenings and broadcasts The pilot episode of Artstar was privately screened during the Cannes Film Festival in 2005. The first public screening was held at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City on May 12, 2006 at 8pm. Artstar premiered on Gallery HD on June 1, 2006 at 9pm. Episode 1 (June 1, 2006) - 400 artists appear on the coldest day of the year for an open call at Deitch Projects to compete for 8 spots on the program. Episode 2 (June 8, 2006) - The Artstars move into a huge studio space in Tribeca and must collaborate on a project for The Art Parade. Episode 3 (June 15, 2006) - The Artstars host a party at the Soho Grand Hotel rooftop penthouse and produce installations and performances. Episode 4 (June 22, 2006) - The Artstars are sent to Coney Island to paint signs with Artist Steve Powers. Episode 5 (June 29, 2006) - The Artstars are critiqued by art consultants and collectors Yvonne Force and Mark Fletcher—and decide on a project for The Art Parade. Episode 6 (July 5, 2006) - The Artstars work with graffiti artist Lee Quiñones and also visit the studios of artists Kehinde Wiley, Marc Kessler, and Jeff Koons. Episode 7 (July 12, 2006) - The Artstars collaborate on their project for The Art Parade and hold their open studio exhibition. Episode 8 (July 19, 2006) - The Art Parade launches into the streets of SoHo. The Artstar group exhibition opens at Deitch Projects. Criticism Early episodes of Artstar have been criticized for being extended infomercials for Deitch Projects. Like Donald Trump on The Apprentice, art dealer Jeffrey Deitch is described in glowingly positive terms, by other dealers and artists in this case, and there are constant references to the "exciting" work that happens in his gallery. Also, Deitch was quoted as saying, While some observers have appreciated the show's avoidance of reality television cliches like eliminating contestants each week and salacious personal dramas, others contend that Artstar should have been billed instead (and produced) as an art documentary. Some have also noted that many contestants already had previous ties to Deitch Projects, making the show more scripted than it had been advertised. (For example, Sy Colen is the father of a successful artist represented by the gallery, and Bec Stupak appeared multiple times in Deitch's 2005 book Live Through This)