Short Description

In 2021, DVAA expanded our Fellowship by adding a Studio Residency program. This program was created to support underrepresented artists from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, and experience levels at pivotal stages in the development of their artistic practices.

Each Resident receives one month of 24/7 studio access in the residency space at DVAA, support from the DVAA staff throughout their residency year, and a year of professional development opportunities alongside the rest of the Fellowship and Residency Cohort. 

Eligibility

We will award the residency program to 10 individuals

The Da Vinci Residency Program is designed to support historically underrepresented and underserved artists at any point in their careers. However, it is typically geared towards artists in a transitional period of their practice. This refers to artists who have recently graduated from an undergraduate program, full time caregivers who are trying to find time for their art practice, people transitioning careers, a recent move, etc. Please feel free to apply if you feel like something in your life is calling out for time to focus on your practice both individually and amongst a community.

To qualify, applicants must be:

  • Over 18
  • Planning to live in the greater Philadelphia region during the full year of the program
  • Not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program
  • Able to articulate need (financial hardship, lack of experience, or other institutional barriers)

The Residency is open to artists working in any medium, however, please note that the nature of our studio space and building creates some practical restrictions. 

  • The studio is located on the third floor of our 180 year old building that has narrow stairs and no elevator. 
  • It is not equipped with an industrial ventilation system to accommodate the use of volatile or toxic chemicals. 
  • We do not have an automatic sprinkler system, so practices such as welding or glass torchwork are prohibited in the building for fire-safety reasons. 
  • DVAA has a small outdoor space where artists may use spray paint, fixatives, and other more toxic materials at their own risk with the suggestion to provide themselves and regularly use a respirator.
    • Any artist using the yard will be asked to put a tarp down prior to spraying anything to avoid damaging the permanent art installation in the yard.

 DVAA encourages prospective applicants to reach out with any questions about specific materials or techniques that they are unsure fall into the allowable categories. 

If you are an artist who typically uses art processes that DVAA cannot accommodate, please describe this in your application and include what alternative materials and processes you will be utilizing during your time with us.

Submission Requirements

  • [300-400 words] Artistic Practice Description that includes the thought processes or inspirations behind the work, the context for when/where the work was produced, or plans for the ways future projects might connect to the work samples
  • [200-400 words] Description of why you’re applying to the residency
  • [200-400 words] Artist biography describing your background in art spaces and other relevant aspects of your identity/life
  • 3 Short answer responses on your interest in the program
  • High-quality images, at 300dpi (can include artwork images, video documentation, and/or installation shots)

Additional application materials (can include CV/Resume, diagrams, mock-ups, documentation, etc.)

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards

  • 1 month of 24-hour access to a private studio space on the third floor of Da Vinci Art Alliance (This is not a live-in space and does not include room and board)
  • Inclusion in Cumulative Threads, DVAA’s annual exhibition featuring Resident’s work made within the year of their cohort program.
  • 2-years of free Artist Membership with DVAA
  • Support over the course of the year through monthly events, workshops, critiques, and one-on-one meetings
  • Ongoing support from DVAA’s Programming Coordinator and the rest of the staff
  • An Artist Profile on the DVAA website

Entry Fee

$5 for application fee

Location

Philadelphia, United States

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 31 May 2025

Website Link: https://davinciartalliance.org/2025-residency-open-call

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