Short Description
The Erie Canal Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program invites artists to explore the past, present, and future of this iconic waterway through their unique artistic lenses. A partnership between the New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canal Museum, the AIR program is a celebration of creativity, history, and stewardship.
The program supports the revitalization of the Erie Canal by blending art with storytelling to illuminate its cultural, environmental, and historical significance. Through exhibitions, events, and public programs, the AIR program brings new perspectives to the Canal’s lasting impact on New York State and the nation.
In partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation (Canal Corp.), the Erie Canal Museum is seeking two (2) Erie Canal Artists-in-Residence for a period of one (1) year. The Erie Canal Museum is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.
Eligibility
The selected Artist should be deeply interested in exploring the New York State Canal system and the physical landscape of upstate New York. Experience with social practice and working within government systems is preferred. Additionally:
- Preference may be given to artists who have lived or worked in Canal communities
- Only individual artists or artist collectives may apply; artists representing non-profit and for profit organizations may not apply
- For artists applying as a collective, only one $10,000 stipend will be awarded to the group
- Artists must obtain General Liability Insurance
- Artists must be (18) eighteen years of age or older
- Artists may not be currently enrolled in school on a full-time basis
Submission Requirements
All Artists interested in applying are required to submit the following:
- Statement of Interest and Proposal (up to 500 words): Explain why this Residency is of interest to you and what you plan to explore during the Residency. Describe your proposed project; including how it relates to the Residency goals to (1) Engage with the Canal and adjacent Erie Canalway Trail, Canal Corp. and Museum staff, Canal facilities, New York’s Canal communities, and Canal visitors, 2) Reflect directly upon the Canal’s physical, environmental, and social condition and history, and 3) Consider a fuller, more complete account of the Canal’s past, present, and future); which geographic section of the Canal system your project will focus on (if applicable); how you might approach sharing your work during the Residency with the public; and your proposed final product. State how your previous work relates to the Residency focus area and ways you have previously engaged with the public.
- Artist’s Statement (up to 300 words): Provide a statement describing your artistic practice.
- Resume or CV (maximum three pages): Provide a resume or CV highlighting any experience relevant to this application.
- References: Provide the names, phone numbers, and email addresses for (2) two professional references.
- Work Samples: Provide (10) ten examples of recent work. If written work is included, please limit it to (3) three pages each. Provide a list of the submitted work including title, date, materials, size. Provide short descriptions of each work as needed.
How to Apply
Application packages should be submitted as PDFs via email to Natalie Stetson, Executive Director, at employment@eriecanalmuseum.org with “Erie Canal Artist-in-Residence” in the subject line.
Program Benefits & Awards
Two (2) Artists will be selected for Residencies in 2026. The NYS Canal Corporation will facilitate introductions and connections to Canal Corp. staff and access to Canal facilities as needed.
The total funding for each Artist for the one-year Residency is $10,000, which will be paid in (4) equal quarterly payments. Up to an additional $2,000 per artist is available for reimbursement for production of a final product, which will be displayed at the Everson Museum of Art and added to the Erie Canal Museum collections.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Syracuse, NY, United States
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 7 September 2025
Website Link: https://www.canals.ny.gov/About/Residence-Program
