A Studio Museum in Harlem initiative in New York, weaving together historical and contemporary voices
Jeffrey Meris, 2022–23 Artist-in-Residence, in his studio at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Courtesy of the Studio Museum in Harlem.
The Studio Museum in Harlem has announced that applications are now open for the 2025–26 Artist-in-Residence program. For more than five decades, the residency has been a cornerstone of the Museum’s mission, supporting emerging artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent through dedicated studio space, financial support, and a culminating exhibition.
Programme Specifics
The residency provides:
- Private Studio Space: Each artist receives a 252-square-foot studio with 24/7 access, alongside a shared lounge.
- Curatorial Support: Regular studio visits with the Museum’s Curatorial Department and staff.
- Stipend: Each participant is awarded $37,500, distributed biweekly over the eleven-month programme.
- Commitment: Residents are expected to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to their studio practice.
The works developed during the residency will be presented in a culminating exhibition organised by the Museum.
Application Criteria
The programme welcomes applications from artists working in all media. While it is geared toward emerging artists, applications are accepted from all artists 18 years and older. Key eligibility details include:
- Open to artists of African and/or Afro-Latinx descent working locally, nationally, or internationally.
- Applicants must not be enrolled as students (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate).
- Artists currently participating in another residency or fellowship programme are not eligible.
- International applicants are welcome but must secure their own visas.
- The programme is intended for individuals only, not collectives.
- The Museum provides accommodations for applicants and participants with disabilities, tailoring support to individual needs.
Application Materials
Applicants are required to submit:
- Resume or CV
- Artist statement
- 5–10 images or videos of completed works
Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required. Applications are submitted free of charge via SlideRoom.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed through a consensus-based process led by the Museum’s Curatorial Department and a panel of external curators and artists. The review involves multiple rounds, including an anonymous review, to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of 2025. Due to high application volume, the Museum cannot provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
Timeline
- Application deadline: 7 October 2025, 11:59 pm ET
- Residency duration: Eleven months, beginning in 2026
- Exhibition: Culminating group show featuring new works produced during the residency
About the Studio Museum Residency
Since its inception, the Studio Museum’s Artist-in-Residence programme has supported over 150 artists, many of whom have gone on to shape contemporary art globally. Alums include some of the most influential figures in African diasporic and American art. The residency reflects the Museum’s mission to provide both space and critical support for artists at pivotal moments in their practice.
Applications for the Studio Museum in Harlem’s 2025–26 Artist-in-Residence programme are open until 7 October 2025. For full details and to apply, visit studiomuseum.org.
