Organizer Information:

The Office for the Arts at Harvard (Ceramics Program) provides a dynamic community studio environment. This program focuses on helping ceramic artists build skills in research, career development, technical ability, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the 2026–27 Artist In Residence.

This is a 1- to 2-year opportunity for ceramic artists to push their art in new directions. Residents commit to spending at least 20 hours per week dedicated to their studio practice. In addition to creating their own work, artists will integrate into the Harvard community by giving a public workshop presentation, teaching 1 to 2 semester-long courses, and participating in two annual studio sales.

Category:

Ceramics.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Ceramic artists whose work is current and completed within the last 2 years.
  • Work Authorization: Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States (in order to teach the paid courses).
  • International Applicants: Welcome to apply, but please note that the Ceramics Program cannot sponsor or assist with visas.
  • Commitment: Must commit to the full first year (September 2026 to August 2027) and dedicate 20 hours/week to studio practice.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Stipend & Income: A $1,000/month stipend, plus paid teaching opportunities for community and academic-based classes.
  • Workspace: A personal studio space (approx. 240 sq. ft.) plus access to common studio areas with 24/7 access.
  • Materials & Firing: Free access to materials (clay, glaze) and use of electric, saggar, soda, and gas kilns up to excess.
  • Facilities: Access to studio equipment (slab roller, extruder, spray booth, 3D clay printer, plaster mold-making room), studio lighting for documentation, and Harvard University Library/Museums access with a provided ID.
  • Exhibition: A solo exhibition in Gallery 224 featuring work completed during the residency.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • Housing: Not provided. The artist is entirely responsible for securing their own housing in the area.
  • Permanent Collection: The artist is asked to donate one piece of work to the program's permanent collection at the end of their stay.

Application Requirements:

Submit the following documents (PDF or .doc):

  1. Resume with personal contact info.
  2. Artist Statement.
  3. Personal Statement reflecting your reasons for applying to this specific residency.
  4. 10 digital images of current work (plus up to one optional detail per image) formatted correctly at 300 dpi.
  5. Corresponding image list (title, year, size, medium/technique).
  6. A list of 3 professional references (name, title, mailing/email address, and phone number).

How to Apply?

Upload all required materials directly to the application portal linked on the Harvard Ceramics website.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: April 5, 2026 (by 11:59 PM).
  • Finalist Interviews: April 13 – 17, 2026.
  • Notification of Standing: May 1, 2026.
  • Residency Dates: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027.

Location:

Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Contact Information:

Email: kking@fas.harvard.edu (Kathy King)

Website: Harvard Ceramics AIR Program