Organizer Information:
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts) is a major community arts center in Richmond, Virginia. Funded in part by the NEA and the Windgate Foundation, VisArts features 17 professional art studios and is dedicated to supporting artists while they connect with a larger creative community.
Title & Description:
Applications are open for the VisArts Annual Residency (September 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027).
This 11-month residency invites three visual artists and one writer to expand their practice, try new media, and create new work. Midway through the year, the residents’ work is celebrated in a curated group exhibition and reading event. This residency is a mutual relationship: VisArts supports the residents' work, and the residents become vibrant, engaged members of the local community.
Category:
Visual Arts & Creative Writing.
Eligibility:
- Who: Artists and writers over the age of 18 at all stages of their careers (though VisArts prioritizes artists exploring new ideas/media or emerging in their field).
- Location & Housing Requirement: Residents must live in Richmond for the 11-month duration of the residency. However, housing and housing stipends are NOT provided. * Time Commitment: Residents must commit to spending at least 20 hours a week in the studio.
- Exclusions: You cannot be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Past Annual Residents cannot reapply.
- Equity Focus: VisArts strongly prioritizes applications from BIPOC artists and those from historically underrepresented groups.
Program Benefits & Awards (Visual Artists & Writers):
- Financial Support: A $5,000 honorarium plus a $500 materials budget.
- Workspace: 24/7 access to a private studio space, plus access to VisArts’ 17 professional art studios (woodshop, flameworking, fab lab, letterpress, etc.).
- Professional Development: Professional studio headshots, documentation of work, private instruction to learn new techniques, and free VisArts classes.
- Exhibition/Event: An exhibition in the True F. Luck Gallery with curatorial guidance and a printed catalogue (for visual artists), and a public reading/event (for writers).
- Writer Specifics: The chosen writer also receives a consultation with a literary agent, a one-year membership to James River Writers, and free registration to the James River Writers Conference.
Application Fee:
Free to apply.
Application Requirements:
When applying, VisArts highly encourages applicants to:
- Provide a description of the work they hope to accomplish.
- Expand on specific project outlines and how they will creatively use the studios.
- Discuss how this opportunity impacts professional goals.
- (For Out-of-State Applicants): Provide a brief statement on how you plan to commit to relocating to Richmond, as housing is not provided.
How to Apply?
Submit your application via the official VisArts application portal linked on their website. Finalists will be invited for a short virtual interview.
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (11:59 PM).
- Notification Date: June 12, 2026.
- Residency Dates: September 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027.
Location:
Richmond, Virginia, USA.
Contact Information:
Coordinator: Arden Shostak (Exhibition and Residency Coordinator)