The application window for the 2027 Open Call for Visual Arts and Music Residency is now closed.

About

Even before creating a formalized program, residencies have been a cornerstone of our mission. Before adopting the name Pioneer Works, our founding team proposed the "Museum of the Working Artist." While the name didn’t stick, the ethos did. We are deeply committed to providing emerging artists and musicians a space to work, tools to create, and a platform to exchange ideas.

Each year, we select artists-in-residence through an open call. Aided by a jury of experts and alumni residents, Pioneer Works welcomes artists who work outside existing models and “norms” of their field, and who 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.

All residents who complete the program join our ever-growing alumni network of collaborators who continue to teach, partner, and lead public programming at Pioneer Works.

FAQs

How many residents are accepted per cohort?

We host 10 Visual Arts Residents and 12 Music Residents each year.

How long are your residencies?

The Visual Arts residency is 5 months, while the Music residency is 1 month. The Winter/Spring Visual Arts residency is January-June, while the Summer/Fall Visual Arts residency is July-December. The Music residencies cycle through the year.

Do you accept collectives?

Yes, we do. However, resources (including, but not limited to, the financial honorarium, studio, and studio visits) would be shared. To apply as a collective or collaborative duo, etc, please submit one application from one person that notes it's a group.

Can I apply if I am an alumnus of the program?

No, unless you're applying in a different discipline than your previous residency (for instance, if you were previously a music resident but you'd like to apply for the visual arts residency).

Can I apply if I'm currently in college or graduate school?

No, unless you'll be out of school when the residency begins.

Can I apply if I am not based in New York City?

Yes, the program accepts applications from artists working locally, nationally, or internationally. Please note, however, that Pioneer Works cannot provide assistance with housing, travel expenses, or visas. We do not sponsor international visa applications.

How big are your studios?

They vary slightly, but are roughly 20 x 11 feet.

What resources do you offer?

We offer free studio space, with a table, chair, cabinet, and heating and cooling; free access to facilities and tools which include a risograph printer, darkroom, ceramics studio, large format printer, 3D printers, thermobinder, and laser cutter; biweekly studio visits with curators, gallerists, critics, and artists; and free access to public programs presented at Pioneer Works.

Do you offer a financial award?

We offer Visual Arts artists-in-residence a one-time, fixed $5,000 financial award, and our Music artists-in-residence a one-time, fixed $3,000 financial award. The award amounts include a $2,500 honorarium and a $500 stipend per month of the residency. These honoraria can be applied towards anything of the artists’ choosing.

Do you offer housing?

While we would like to offer that in the future, currently we do not.

What is the review process for this Open Call? The review process is conducted in two phases. In the first, each applicant is evaluated internally by Pioneer Works staff for technical ability, uniqueness of vision, and the potential for future or repeat success—with special consideration for those who've followed nontraditional career paths. For Visual Arts applicants, we look for practitioners who will fill a studio space with objects and media, not those who are primarily research-, computer-, or performance-based. For Music applicants, we're looking for those who want to actively use our professional recording studio.

Each applicant receives a score, with the highest scorers sent to a panel of external jurors for the second phase. Composed of art professionals and alumni residents, the jury in the second phase reviews the semi-finalists' applications to assess diversity in terms of not only demographics but also media; whether there is genuine need for a studio; and whether they would benefit from the unique, public-facing culture of Pioneer Works. Each cohort is carefully chosen to be eclectic, wide-ranging, and suited to Pioneer Works.

The juries will convene in September, after which the finalists will be contacted. We will notify all applicants about the status of their applications by late September.

Do you offer portfolio feedback?

Unfortunately, we do not due to the volume of applications received.

I have another question that is not addressed here.

Please reach out to residency@pioneerworks.org.