MAD Artist-in-Residence

The MAD Artist Studios program, located on the sixth floor of the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), is a community engagement and professional development residency for contemporary artists and designers. The program encourages public interaction with artists as they develop their creative practice.

Each six-month session hosts three artists:

One full-time MAD Artist Fellow
Two part-time Artist Residents

Participants receive studio space, a stipend, and opportunities for public engagement. Since its establishment in 2008, over 200+ artists have participated in the program. The MAD Artist Fellowship, introduced in 2016, specifically supports emerging NYC-based artists from underrepresented communities.

Information & Application Details:

Residency Periods:
- Cycle 43: August 20, 2025 – February 20, 2026
- Cycle 44: February 25, 2026 – August 15, 2026
Deadline: Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
Application Fee: None
Notifications: Sign up for the Artist Studios mailing list for updates

Eligibility:

General Eligibility:

Must be at least 21 years old
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a valid SSN or EIN
Cannot be enrolled in a full-time degree program
Must demonstrate technical mastery and a strong conceptual framework
Must be willing to engage with the public

Fellowship-Specific Eligibility:

For emerging artists from underrepresented communities
Must be based in the NYC metro area
Cannot be mid-career or established
Must have at least 2 years of active practice and meet additional emerging artist criteria

How to Apply:

Complete the online application form before the deadline
Specify interest in either the Fellowship or Residency (or both)
Artists can only be selected for one session

Submission Requirements:

Portfolio showcasing a strong body of work
Artist statement describing conceptual approach and practice
CV/Resume highlighting relevant experience
Proposal outlining the intended project and engagement with visitors

Selection Process:

Applications are reviewed by MAD’s Education Department and a panel of experts
Selected candidates are interviewed before final selection
Alumni of the program cannot reapply

Residency Structure & Benefits:

MAD Artist Fellowship (Full-time, 1 position per cycle)

$15,000 stipend
$1,000 materials and mentorship stipend
Private studio space in the Museum
21 weekly public open studio hours (3 set days: two weekdays + one weekend day, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM)

Artist Residency (Part-time, 2 positions per cycle)

$5,200 stipend
$500 materials and mentorship stipend
Shared studio space in the Museum
One full public studio day per week (Wednesday–Sunday, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM)

Additional Benefits (for all participants):

Daily studio access (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Paid public programming opportunities
Studio visits with museum staff and professional development support
Continued engagement with Artist Studios alumni
Exposure to museum visitors, school groups, and public tour groups
Access to MAD’s galleries, public programs, and exhibition openings

Additional Information:

Studio Setup:
- Private/shared studios (~150–200 sq. ft.)
- Worktable, sink, and shared equipment (kilns, loom, flex shaft, drill press)
Artists are responsible for taxes on their stipend
No travel or housing stipend is provided
Collectives can apply for residencies, but not for the Fellowship