Since the inception of Pioneer Works in 2012, residencies have always been at the core of our DNA even before we had a formalized program. One of the original names for Pioneer Works was the Museum of the Working Artist. While the name didn’t stick, the ethos did. Pioneer Works encourages radical thinking as evidenced by providing an interdisciplinary cast of practitioners a free space to work, tools to create, and a platform to exchange ideas.

Each September, we select residents through an open call. Aided by a jury of experts and Alumni Residents, Pioneer Works welcomes residents who work outside existing models and “norms” of their field and will benefit from our unique facilities and culture. As such, Pioneer Works shifts and evolves to reflect the interests and work of each new cohort of residents, from public education offerings to Second Sundays, a monthly forum of artistic experimentation through activations, open studios, and performance.