Organizer Information:

Flower City Arts Center is a community-focused nonprofit organization located in a historic firehouse in Rochester, NY. Established in 1970, the center provides education, support, and access for people of all ages and backgrounds to create and enjoy art.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the 2026 Artist Residencies.

This program invites local and national visual artists at any stage of their careers to build their portfolios and become part of a nurturing community. Residents will create a cohesive body of work culminating in a public presentation (exhibit, artist talk, book launch, event, etc.) at the end of their residency period.

Category:

Visual Arts.

(Specialized tracks available in: Ceramics, Photography & Digital Arts, and Printmaking & Book Arts).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Visual artists at any stage of their careers (local and national).
  • Constraints: Applicants are juried by a staff panel with an emphasis on the quality of work and an expressed desire to be part of a community studio practice.

Track-Specific Details & Benefits:

  • Ceramics:
    • Duration: 1-year time commitment.
    • Benefits: Private studio space with full access to facilities, a firing stipend, materials at cost, and an exhibit in the Firehouse Gallery. (BFA or MFA preferred, but not required). There is no preference for functional over sculptural work. 2 positions available.
    • Requirements: 5 hours/week of studio, office, and gallery help. A desire to teach is required.
  • Photography & Digital Arts:
    • Duration: 2 weeks up to 1 year (mutually agreed upon).
    • Benefits: Full access to the Community Darkroom (includes basic B&W chemistry), Silver Den, Digital Art Studio, and Lighting Studio.
    • Requirements: 6 hours/week of studio support or teaching responsibilities. Saturday availability required. A desire to teach is encouraged.
  • Printmaking & Book Arts:
    • Duration: 1 month up to 12 months (mutually agreed upon).
    • Benefits: Full access to the Book Arts, Papermaking, Printmaking, and Screen Printing Studios (equipment and tools provided; artist supplies consumable materials).
    • Requirements: 5 hours/week of studio support or teaching responsibilities. Saturday availability required.

General Program Benefits & Costs:

  • Income Opportunities: Paid teaching opportunities are available at the rate of $22/teaching hour.
  • Perks: Complimentary Flower City Arts Center Membership, and the option to participate in center-wide classes on a space-available basis (class fees waived; artists pay material fees).
  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • Housing: Not provided. Artists are entirely responsible for securing their own housing.

Application Requirements:

Applicants must compile all the following files into a single .ZIP file labeled with their first and last name:

  1. 15-20 Images / Media: Recent work within a year. (JPGs, RGB, 72 ppi, max 2,000 px on the longest side. Name format: lastname_firstname_01.jpg). Video files must be .MOV or .MP4 and under 3 minutes.
  2. Image Script: A PDF listing title, medium, dimension, and date for each file. (Name format: lastname_firstname_image_script.pdf).
  3. CV/Resume: (Name format: lastname_firstname_CV.pdf).
  4. Artist Statement/Work Description: (Name format: lastname_firstname_statement.pdf).
  5. Letter of Intent: Describing the goals you would like to further during the residency. (Name format: lastname_firstname_intent.pdf).
  6. 2 Letters of Recommendation: Must be emailed or mailed directly to the program area by the recommenders.

How to Apply?

Email your completed .ZIP file directly to the relevant program director:

  • Ceramics: kwhorton@flowercityarts.org
  • Photography & Digital Arts: jmuniz@flowercityarts.org
  • Printmaking & Book Arts: msullivan@flowercityarts.org

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: April 15, 2026.

Location:

Rochester, New York, USA.

Contact Information:

Website: Flower City Arts Center Residencies