Open Call for 2026 NYC-Based Artist Residency

About the Open Call

This open call is for the 2026 NYC-Based Artist Residency program by Residency Unlimited, running from March 1 to May 31, 2026. The program is designed to support artists in developing new work, completing projects, or conducting research. Artists are expected to participate actively in program activities, including weekly one-on-one meetings with guest curators, monthly salons, and other social gatherings. The residency offers an opportunity to benefit from RU’s resources and location in Brooklyn, New York City.

What is Offered

Selected artists will benefit from weekly one-on-one meetings with guest curators, monthly salons, and other social gatherings. The residency provides dedicated time and resources for artists to develop new work, complete projects, or conduct research, leveraging Residency Unlimited's resources and its location in Brooklyn, New York City.

Requirements

This opportunity is open to artists who self-identify as part of underserved communities, including but not limited to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. Applicants must reside in one of the five boroughs of New York City and have a valid Social Security number. Artists working across all mediums are encouraged to apply. Participants cannot engage in another residency during the program period (March 1 – May 31, 2026). Matriculated students are not eligible to apply. Artists are expected to participate in all program activities, including weekly one-on-one meetings with guest curators, monthly salons, and other social gatherings.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a proposal via the application form, including an Artist Statement (Max 250 words), Statement of Interest/Proposal (Max 500 words) outlining goals for the residency, availability between March 1 – May 31, 2026, and communication style. Required documents include a current CV/Resume (Max 1MB) and Work Samples (Single PDF/Max 7MB) with up to 10 images, titles, mediums, dates, and brief descriptions (Max 200 words per artwork). For time-based media, up to three URL links can be provided. A photo of you at your day job (if available, Max 2MB) may also be submitted. Technical problems with the form can be addressed by emailing nyc-based-res@residencyunlimited.org.