Organizer Information
Eyebeam is a New York City-based nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting artists whose practices critically and creatively engage with technology. Established in 1998, Eyebeam has supported more than 550 artists through residencies, fellowships, public programs, exhibitions, and other initiatives. Its work focuses on helping artists investigate how technology shapes contemporary life and imagine more just, creative, and humane futures.
Title & Description
AGENCY Residency 2026–2027
AGENCY Residency is Eyebeam’s 2026–2027 residency program exploring the theme of agency through critical inquiry, experimentation, research, and artistic making. The program considers questions of power, autonomy, technological systems, collective action, and human and nonhuman relationships, particularly at a time when AI systems increasingly influence decisions, behavior, and creative processes.
Projects may engage directly with artificial intelligence, but AI expertise or coding experience is not required. Eyebeam welcomes creative and critical approaches to how agency is exercised, shared, challenged, or redistributed. Potential questions include who has agency, what happens when agency is distributed between humans and machines, and how technological systems might be reimagined for collective governance, repair, experimentation, or public benefit.
The 2026–2027 call offers two tracks: a Virtual Residency for U.S.-based artists outside New York City and an NYC Residency for artists living within New York City's five boroughs.
Categories
- Visual Art
- New Media Art
- Digital Art
- Technology & Art
- Interactive Art
- Experimental Art
- Social Practice
- Research-based Art
- AI-related Art
- Interdisciplinary Practices
- Other technology-engaged artistic practices
Eligibility
Applicants must apply individually; collectives and collaborative teams are not eligible. Applicants may not currently be enrolled in a full-time degree program or committed to another residency during the relevant residency period.
- Virtual Residency: Open to artists based in the United States and located outside New York City. They must remain U.S.-based throughout the residency.
- NYC Residency: Open to artists living within New York City's five boroughs who can work onsite at Eyebeam for at least one day per week throughout the residency.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Virtual Residency — Fall 2026
- Six artists selected
- $2,000 stipend per artist
- 12-week virtual residency
- Weekly cohort programming
- Mentorship from Eyebeam alumni and visiting professionals
- Technical consultation
- Peer critique and work-in-progress feedback
- Virtual concluding process presentation
- Contribution to an end-of-year publication
- Minimum commitment of 3–4 hours per week
- NYC Residency — Spring 2027
- Six artists selected
- $5,000 stipend per artist
- 12-week residency
- Weekly programming and peer sessions
- Mentorship and technical consultation
- Work-in-progress critiques
- Public open studio
- Concluding process presentation
- Contribution to an end-of-year publication
- Minimum of 8 hours per week onsite at Eyebeam, in addition to independent project development
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted online through Submittable.
Key Dates
Virtual Residency
- Deadline: 11 October 2026
- Interviews: October 26–28, 2026
- Notifications: 29 October 2026
- Residency: November 4, 2026–February 12, 2027
NYC Residency
- Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Interviews: December 7–10, 2026
- Notifications: 14 December 2026
- Residency: March 15–June 11, 2027
Location
- Virtual Residency: Online; applicants must be U.S.-based outside New York City.
- NYC Residency: Eyebeam, New York City, USA.
Additional Details
The Virtual Residency is particularly suited to projects in early development, where research, discussion, feedback, and prototyping can help shape an emerging idea. The NYC Residency is intended for projects with a clearer direction that can benefit from dedicated studio time, critique, and production support. Neither track requires applicants to work with AI specifically. Applicants should carefully review the requirements and application materials for their chosen track before submitting.