Performance Residencies in Brooklyn, New York

International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP)

Brooklyn, New York, United States

The International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) is a global residency based in Brooklyn, New York, designed to support the creative and professional development of artists and curators. Founded in 1994 and located in a renovated industrial building, ISCP provides a platform for the presentation of innovative art projects, fostering international cultural exchange through its residency programs, public programs, and events. The program offers 35 light-filled work studios, two galleries, and a project space, making it one of the most comprehensive international visual arts residency programs in New York. Artists and curators are provided with private, furnished studio spaces and have 24-hour access to communal facilities. Although ISCP does not offer accommodation, most international program sponsorships include stipends for living expenses, materials, and housing. Residencies typically last three to twelve months, inviting residents to engage in a range of activities including Visiting Critics, Field Trips, Artists at Work presentations, and biannual Open Studios.

NARS Foundation (New York Art Residency and Studios)

Brooklyn, New York, United States

The New York Art Residency and Studios (NARS) Foundation Artist in Residency Program, based in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, offers three and six-month residencies for emerging and mid-career artists and curators from both the U.S. and internationally. The program provides 24/7 access to furnished, private or shared studio spaces (250 – 300 sq ft) and focuses on the artistic process and experimentation within a diverse artist community. Residents benefit from meetings with 3-4 Studio Visitors each month, gaining feedback and expanding their professional network. They also receive administrative, curatorial, and professional support to explore and expand their artistic practice. Presentation opportunities include a curated exhibition in the NARS gallery, bi-annual Open Studios, and the Entree/Encore program for sharing research and work through various formats. The residency fosters a community-driven program, encouraging ongoing dialogue with fellow artists through weekly gatherings, inter-studio visits, field trips, and meals. Residents work alongside NYC-based artists who retain space year-round, benefiting from exposure to New York’s cultural and sociopolitical context.

Residency Unlimited (RU)

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Residency Unlimited (RU) operates as a distinctive non-profit organization in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, set within the historical South Congregational Church. Its core mission revolves around supporting the creation, presentation, and dissemination of contemporary art. RU distinguishes itself through its unique residency program and vibrant year-round public programs, fostering a rich environment for artists and curators from both local and international backgrounds. RU’s approach to residencies is highly customized, focusing on network support, project/production assistance, and public exposure for its participants. This includes personalized interactions with art professionals, weekly project support, and opportunities for public engagement through RU’s Brooklyn venue or partnering locations across New York City. The multifunctional space not only serves as a hub for communal activities but also as a platform for talks, screenings, performances, and exhibitions. One of the organization's signature features is its commitment to building professional networks, facilitating meetings with art professionals for critical feedback and studio visits. Moreover, RU places a significant emphasis on collaboration, working closely with a variety of institutional partners to provide residents with necessary workspace, technical and logistical support, thus enhancing the overall residency experience. Despite not offering individual studio space explicitly for artistic production, RU provides shared workspaces within its facilities, enabling for collaborative and independent work. This setup encourages residents to engage deeply with their projects while benefiting from the creative and logistical support of RU's dedicated staff.

Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program

Brooklyn, New York, United States

The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program awards rent-free, non-living studio space to 17 visual artists for year-long residencies in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Selected annually based on merit from a competitive pool of applicants by a professional jury, the program is open to professional visual artists 21 years or older who live in the US, as well as US citizens or permanent residents living abroad. The studios feature high ceilings, elevator access, and communal spaces including a kitchen, slop sinks, restrooms, and a sitting area with wi-fi. Artists have 24/7 access to their studios and are expected to spend at least 20 hours per week in the studio, participate in the spring open studios event, and maintain all communal spaces. The residency does not provide housing or financial stipends, and applicants must not be enrolled in any degree program or maintain a separate studio during their residency.