Artist-in-Residence

Proposed as a founding initiative in 1968, the Artist in Residence program has earned The Studio Museum in Harlem recognition for its catalytic role in advancing the work of visual artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent.  

Every year, the Museum offers an eleven-month residency for three local, national, or international artists working in any media. Individuals selected for the residency receive institutional guidance and professional development, research support, studio space, and a stipend paid out over the course of the residency. In addition to their time in the studio, artists participate in Museum public programs and educational studio visits with community partners. The residency culminates with a group exhibition featuring artworks made by each of the artists during their time in the program.  

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The Museum’s iconic Artist-in-Residence program, envisioned by artist William T. Williams, gives emerging artists an unparalleled opportunity to develop their practice in an eleven-month residency, and offers audiences the chance to view this work in annual exhibitions.  

Alumni of the program include some of today’s most significant and innovative artists, such as Njideka Akunyili Crosby, David Hammons, Titus Kaphar, Simone Leigh, Kerry James Marshall, Julie Mehretu, Wangechi Mutu, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley. These artists have exhibited their work around the nation and the world in solo and group exhibitions, entered their work into important museum collections, and received many prestigious fellowships and awards.  

2023–24 Artist-in-Residence Program Dates: October 16, 2023—September 27, 2024  

Application Period: April 10—May 22, 2023 

Application Deadline: May 22, 2023, at 11:59 pm EST  

Applicants to the Artist-in-Residence program are required to submit a resume or CV, up to ten but no less than five images or videos of examples of artworks, and an artist statement; letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required. 

  • The residency offers each artist a private studio space throughout the duration of the program. 

  • A stipend of $37,500 paid out over the course of the residency.

  • Artists are required to engage with their studio practice at a minimum of twenty hours per week.   

  • A selection of artworks made by the artists throughout the course of the residency will be featured in a culminating exhibition.   

  • Over the course of the residency program, artists are required to participate in the Museum’s annual Open Studios, a number of public programs and educational studio visits, and a rigorous engagement with the Museum's Curatorial Department and other Museum departments.   

  • Artists cannot be in school or committed to another residency while in the Studio Museum Artist-in-Residence program.  

  • Artists should apply to the residency with the understanding that they may be asked to work remotely. As the Museum remains committed to the health and safety of the artists in residence and staff, the Museum reserves the right to establish a remote residency, if necessary, at any point throughout the residency period.  

  • Artists should be prepared to follow appropriate COVID-19 safety regulations in accordance with CDC guidelines. 

Artists in Residence

Artist-in-Residence FAQ

The Studio Museum in Harlem Artist-in-Residence program is funded by the Glenstone Foundation. Additional support for the Artist-in Residence program provided by The 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; Anonymous; Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation; and by endowments established by the Andrea Frank Foundation; the Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Trust; and Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Additional funding is generously provided by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts.