Artist's Residency | Kunstraum LLC

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Artist-in-Residence at Kunstraum

Each year, KUNSTRAUM offers two international open calls for its Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program, welcoming applications from emerging and mid-career artists for three-month residencies beginning in January, April, July, and October. When spaces remain available, applications may also be accepted on a rolling basis.

Residents are selected by a jury composed of KUNSTRAUM's curatorial team based on the originality, artistic merit, and quality of their work.

The residency includes:

A dedicated studio space
Monthly studio visits (see list under About > Studio Visits) and professional feedback
Curatorial mentoring, studio visit, and office hours by the Curator and Community Affiliate
Salons, community events as field trips, and networking opportunities
Promotion through KUNSTRAUM's website, newsletter, and social media channels
Participation in the annual Members' Show, including opportunities for artwork sales through the gallery and KUNSTRAUM's online platform
Membership in a vibrant international community of artists, curators, and cultural professionals

The KUNSTRAUM Artist-in-Residence Program is designed to support artistic development, foster meaningful professional connections, and encourage creative exchange within New York City's contemporary art community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What programs and events does KUNSTRAUM offer for networking and community?

In addition to our exhibition program, KUNSTRAUM offers a wide range of professional and community events throughout the year which have included artist salons, panel discussions, screenings, performances, readings, critiques, member-to-member studio visits, potlucks, field trips to galleries, and other community gatherings designed to connect artists with New York's contemporary art community.

Artists-in-Residence (AIRs) participate in our monthly Studio Visit Program (except in December due to the holidays), featuring one-on-one, 30-minute meetings with invited curators, critics, gallerists, collectors, art advisors, and other arts professionals.

Artist Salons are held monthly and may occasionally be replaced by organized visits to local galleries, museums, biennials, or other cultural events throughout New York City.

Each Artist-in-Residence is eligible to participate once in KUNSTRAUM's annual Members' Show following the successful completion of their residency. The exhibition is typically held in the fall. Invitations to apply are sent several months in advance.

What does the Artist-in-Residence Program cost?

The Artist-in-Residence fee is US$800 per month (2026) for a three-month residency.

The residency includes:

Dedicated studio space with 24/7 access (workspace only)
One to two monthly studio visits with New York curators and arts professionals
Website and social media promotion (optional)
3-days free access to gallery space between exhibitions (subject to availability)
Participation in the annual Members' Show, including curatorial visit, professional photography, and six months of online artwork sales
Access to all community events and networking opportunities

Does KUNSTRAUM provide housing?

No. Artists are responsible for arranging their own accommodation during the residency.

Many residents use platforms such as Airbnb, Listings Project, or Craigslist to find housing.

Are the visiting curators different each month?

Yes. Each studio visit features different curators, critics, gallerists, collectors, art advisors, and other arts professionals drawn from KUNSTRAUM's extensive professional network.

Visiting professionals are typically scheduled several months in advance. Artists are welcome to recommend individuals they would like to meet by contacting the Community & Curatorial Assistant at curator@kunstraumllc.com. While we are happy to consider suggestions, we cannot guarantee that a specific professional will participate, as scheduling depends on their availability, their willingness to take part in the program, and the interests of multiple participating artists.

When is the annual Members' Show?

The Members' Show is typically held between August and November, depending on KUNSTRAUM's exhibition schedule, and usually runs for two to four weeks.

Current Artists-in-Residence, Studio Members, and Community Members are invited to participate. Members who participated during the prior calendar year remain eligible even if their membership has ended before the exhibition opens.

What happens if I have already returned home when the Members' Show takes place?

Artists are responsible for arranging the return of their artwork.

You may authorize a friend or representative to collect your work, arrange your own shipping, or request KUNSTRAUM's packing assistance if you live abroad. The artist must provide shipping materials, a prepaid shipping label and the pickup arrangement in coordination with the team.

Am I required to complete a specific project during the residency?

Yes and no. Artists are encouraged to make active use of their studio and develop new work during the residency, but there is no required final project. We ask for the submission of a residency plan and check up on its progress. Possible changes are anticipated.

New work created during the residency is encouraged for inclusion in the Members' Show but is not mandatory.

What is the difference between a Studio Membership and the Artist-in-Residence Program?

Studio Memberships are intended primarily for artists based in New York who wish to maintain an ongoing studio practice and become part of the KUNSTRAUM community. Openings are offered as studios become available.

The Artist-in-Residence Program is a competitive, juried program with limited places offered quarterly. Residents are selected based on the originality and artistic quality of their work and receive priority access to professional development opportunities during their three-month residency.

Artists-in-Residence receive complimentary monthly studio visits.

Studio Members may also participate in studio visits for an additional fee, subject to availability.

What visa do international artists need?

Artists are responsible for obtaining any required visas.

Visa requirements vary by country and are subject to change. Upon signing the residency agreement, KUNSTRAUM provides an official Letter of Invitation that can be used for your visa application.

If visa processing delays your arrival, residency dates may be rescheduled, subject to availability. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for their visa well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing.

What happens if another public health emergency occurs?

KUNSTRAUM will follow all applicable public health regulations while continuing to support residents whenever possible.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully adapted our programming through enhanced cleaning procedures, reduced occupancy via a booking schedule, virtual studio visits, online exhibitions, and flexible scheduling.

Should similar circumstances arise in the future, we will implement comparable measures in accordance with government guidelines while working closely with participating artists.

What if I cannot travel because of government restrictions?

If government travel restrictions prevent you from beginning your residency, we will work with you to reschedule your residency, subject to availability.

Where can I apply for funding?

Many Artists-in-Residence receive support through grants, foundations, universities, embassies, cultural institutes, national arts councils or private individuals.

We encourage applicants to research funding opportunities available in their home country or region. KUNSTRAUM is generally provides one letter of invitation letters upon signing to support grant and funding applications.

Below is a list of potential funding opportunities. Please note that some links may be outdated or inactive, as funding opportunities change frequently:

Worldwide

Prins Claus Fonds Seed Awards (Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean & Eastern Europe)

On the Move — Int. Cultural Mobility Network

Project Support (Developing & Emerging Countries)

Curators International

Call for Curators Grant List

Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice — Global LGBTQI Arts Fund

Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation

Visegrad Fund

Marcelino Botìn Foundation

Unesco

Africa: