A year-long residency supporting artists who engage communities through creative practice, public programming, and collaboration within a major museum context.
18 June 2026
Open Call:
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is accepting applications for its Creative Assembly 2026-2027 Residency Program. Launched in 2021, the programme supports artists through a year-long residency focused on community engagement, artistic development, and public participation.
Institutional Context:
Creative Assembly, housed within NOMA’s Department of Learning and Engagement, is designed to cultivate meaningful connections among artists, museum audiences, and local communities. Through the residency, artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from NOMA’s permanent collection, exhibitions, public programmes, and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
The programme emphasises community collaboration and participatory experiences, positioning artists as active contributors to dialogue, learning, and social engagement within and beyond the museum. Since its launch, Creative Assembly has supported practitioners working across disciplines, including visual art, dance, music, poetry, education, activism, and community-based practice.
Selected artists receive:
- A stipend of USD 4,000.
- A profile on the NOMA website.
- Access to networking and professional development opportunities.
- A two-year NOMA membership.
In the 2026 to 2027 cycle, the Darryl Chappell Foundation will support one artist who self-identifies as Afrodescendant. Eligible applicants are invited to indicate this within their application.
Eligibility and Criteria:
Applications are open to artists from all disciplines who are legally eligible to work in the United States of America. NOMA adopts a broad definition of artistic practice and welcomes applications from creators working across a wide range of media and community-focused approaches.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong artistic practice.
- An interest in community engagement and public participation.
- The ability to develop projects inspired by museum collections, exhibitions, and programmes.
- A commitment to active participation throughout the residency period.
Evaluation Process:
Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel to support a diverse cohort of artists and creative practitioners. The selection process seeks to amplify a range of artistic disciplines and approaches to community engagement while highlighting each applicant’s unique perspective on collaboration and public participation.
Successful applicants will be selected based on the strength of their artistic practice, their capacity to engage audiences and communities, and the potential impact of their proposed contributions to the residency.
Practical Information:
- Programme: Creative Assembly Residency 2026 to 2027
- Institution: New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Duration: One year
- Stipend: USD 4,000
- Additional Benefits: Professional development opportunities, networking support, NOMA website profile, and two-year museum membership
- Studio Space: The residency does not provide a dedicated studio or exhibition space.
- Application Deadline: 10 July 2026
Applications and Queries:
Applications must be submitted through NOMA’s online application portal before 10 July 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the full residency information and eligibility requirements before applying. Questions regarding the programme may be directed to NOMA’s Department of Learning and Engagement through the contact details provided on the museum’s website.
