Idle Hands Incubation Award

About the Open Call

The Idle Hands Incubation Award (IHIA) supports artists working across, between, and against disciplinary boundaries, focusing on experimentation, process, and time-based media. The award includes a $10,000 stipend, studio visits with the internal team and mentors, and an exhibition at the Idle Hands loft in Williamsburg. The award period runs from September 8 to December 13, 2026. Applicants must reside in one of the five boroughs of NYC. Recipients retain full creative autonomy.

What is Offered

10,000 USD unrestricted stipend, professional mentorship, and a culminating exhibition.

Requirements

Applicants must be based in the New York City metropolitan area (live in one of the five boroughs). Artist collectives are eligible. Previous IHIA recipients are not eligible for 3 years; previous finalists have specific re-application cycles.

How to Apply

Submit via the official Jotform application including personal contact details, artistic medium, statement of intent, thematic proposal, work samples, and promotional images.