Are you thinking of applying for a residency? Check out our growing list of opportunities for artists of all disciplines.
Most residency programs ask for roughly the same things; you can prepare some of these in advance. When an exciting opportunity catches your eye, applying will be easier because you will have already done most of the work.
Here’s what you’ll most likely need:
1. An artist statement:
This statement is about you and your practice in general and may include information about your influences, inspiration, and creative intent. It should answer these fundamental questions: What do I make? How do I make it? Why do I make it? According to CENTEЯ, “The artist statement is very important and will often move a submission forward in the judging process, or conversely, a poorly executed statement will eliminate the project.” After creating a 250-word statement, you can add and subtract information depending on the residency requirements. If you get stuck, get editing help here!
2. Work samples:
Choose a selection that shows the breadth of your work while still feeling cohesive. If you work in multiple media (like photography, performance, and video), include a few strong pieces from each. Creative Capital’s Artist’s Tools Handbook advises: “Get a second opinion, and then a third opinion. Have your work samples regularly reviewed by other art professionals. They can help clarify how successfully your images represent the best qualities of your work. Once you’ve made your selection, keep your images organized in Adobe Bridge or Lightroom. This way, you’ll be able to export them at whatever dimensions a residency application requires quickly.”
3. A project proposal:
According to the Alliance of Artist Communities, “Artists’ communities focus on the process, rather than the product, of art. However, some residency programs ask what you plan to do while in residence. The purpose of a project proposal is not to tie you to a specific project but to demonstrate that you’ve thought through how you might make good use of a residency.” After creating a 250-word proposal, you can tailor each to the residency’s unique geography, duration, and facilities. If you feel overwhelmed, get a little extra help here!
4. An artist bio:
Your artist bio is a short, third-person summary of your background, practice, and accomplishments. It’s different from your artist statement—it focuses on who you are rather than what you make. If you get stuck, get editing help here!
5. A résumé / C.V.
Your artist CV lists your professional experience as an artist. It can be 1–4 pages and includes accomplishments relevant to your creative practice. Tailor your CV to highlight the experiences most relevant to the residency. Keep formatting clean and consistent. If you feel lost, we have a plug-and-play template here!
6. References:
Reach out to your potential references early! Send a short email letting them know you’re applying to residencies this month, season, or year. Include a link to your work samples, artist statement, and project proposal. This gives them plenty of time to get familiar with your work before a recommendation is needed. Be prepared to draft the letter for them so they can review, sign, and send it. If you panic, we’ll walk you through that part, too. Reach out to us for extra support!
7. An online presence:
Residencies will probably check out your website and social media presence. Document everything. Shoot every painting, sculpture, or piece you make. If you’re in an exhibition, have a friend, partner, or photographer document it. Performing? Get someone to film it. If the venue documents performances, ask for a copy; if they don’t, offer them one. No photographer or videographer in your life? Make friends with one. Don’t like people? Okay, shoot it yourself. It’s better to document your work with a phone than not at all.