The Residency Program

About the Open Call

The Studio Museum in Harlem's Artist-in-Residence program, a founding initiative since 1968, welcomes its first cohort back to 125th Street in its new building. This seven-month residency (March 15–October 15, 2026) offers studio spaces in Harlem, a historical center for Black cultural production, enabling artists to work, exhibit, and engage with visitors. The program is recognized for its catalytic role in advancing the work of visual artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent, supporting over 150 artists since its inception. Residents receive institutional guidance, professional development, research support, studio space, and a stipend. The program culminates in an exhibition in the Studio Museum galleries and is accompanied by a publication. Artists are also required to participate in annual Open Studios, public programs, and studio visits. The program is funded by the Glenstone Foundation, American Express Kenneth and Kathryn Chenault Sponsorship Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, Joy of Giving Something, Robert Lehman Foundation, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Jerome Foundation, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, and endowments from the Andrea Frank Foundation, Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Trust, and Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Additional funding is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts.

What is Offered

Institutional guidance, professional development, research support, studio space, a stipend, culminating exhibition, and publication.

Requirements

Applicants must be visual artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent. Required application materials include a resume or CV, 5-10 images or videos of work examples, and an artist statement. Letters of recommendation are encouraged.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume or CV, up to ten but no fewer than five images or videos of examples of works, and an artist statement. Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required. Applications can be submitted via the 'How to Apply' link on the website.