Reference
Artist Residency Glossary
Key terms every artist should know when researching and applying to residencies.
A
- Artist Residency
- A program that provides artists with dedicated time, space, and sometimes funding to focus on their creative practice. Residencies can last from a few weeks to several months and are hosted by institutions, organizations, or private spaces around the world.Browse →
- Artist Statement
- A written description of an artist's work, intentions, and creative practice. Most residency applications require an artist statement, typically 250-500 words.
- Alumni Network
- The community of artists who have previously participated in a residency program. Strong alumni networks can provide ongoing mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and professional connections.
C
- Critique (Crit)
- A structured discussion where artists present their work-in-progress to peers, mentors, or curators for feedback. Many residencies organize group critiques as part of the program.
I
- Interdisciplinary
- Involving multiple artistic disciplines or fields of study. Interdisciplinary residencies welcome artists working across media — for example, combining visual art with sound, technology, or performance.Browse →
- In-Kind Support
- Non-monetary support such as free accommodation, studio space, materials, or meals provided by the residency. Many "free" residencies offer in-kind support rather than cash stipends.
J
- Jury / Selection Panel
- A group of curators, artists, and experts who review residency applications and select participants. Understanding what a jury looks for can help strengthen your application.
L
- Letter of Recommendation
- A supporting letter from a professor, curator, or colleague vouching for an artist's practice and suitability for a residency. Some programs require one or two letters as part of the application.
O
- Open Call
- A public invitation from a residency program for artists to submit applications. Open calls typically include deadlines, eligibility criteria, and details about what the residency offers. Some are rolling (ongoing), while others have fixed deadlines.Browse →
- Open Studio
- An event where resident artists open their studios to the public, other residents, or invited guests. Open studios are common at the end of a residency period and serve as informal exhibitions.
P
- Participation Fee
- A fee charged by some residency programs to cover accommodation, studio space, or administrative costs. Participation fees range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Many reputable residencies are free or fully funded.
- Production Budget
- Funding specifically allocated for creating artwork during the residency — covering materials, fabrication, printing, or technical assistance. Some residencies provide a separate production budget on top of stipends.
R
- Rolling Deadline
- An application process with no fixed closing date — applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until spots are filled. Rolling deadlines offer more flexibility but may mean limited availability.
S
- Stipend
- A fixed sum of money paid to an artist during their residency to cover living expenses, materials, or other costs. Stipends vary widely — from modest daily allowances to substantial monthly grants. Not all residencies offer stipends.Browse →
- Studio Visit
- A scheduled visit to an artist's workspace, usually by curators, critics, collectors, or fellow residents. Studio visits are a key networking opportunity during residencies and can lead to exhibitions, commissions, or collaborations.
- Self-Directed Residency
- A residency with no structured programming — artists set their own schedule and goals. Ideal for artists who need uninterrupted time to work independently.
- Structured Residency
- A residency with organized programming such as workshops, lectures, critiques, mentorship sessions, or community engagement projects. These offer more guidance and networking opportunities.
- Site-Specific
- Art created in response to a particular location or environment. Some residencies specifically invite artists to create site-specific work that engages with the local landscape, community, or architecture.
W
- Work Sample
- Documentation of an artist's previous work submitted as part of a residency application. This usually includes images, video, audio, or writing samples, depending on the discipline.
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