Organizer Information
The Nicholson Project is a contemporary artist residency and cultural space located in Washington, DC, USA. Founded with a mission to provide artists with dedicated time, space, and institutional support, it operates out of a renovated historic row house that integrates living quarters, studio facilities, exhibition programming, and a community garden. The organization functions as both an experimental residency hub and a neighbourhood-based cultural site, engaging with local and international artistic communities.
Its programming is structured around residencies, exhibitions, public dialogues, and fellowship opportunities, with a strong emphasis on process-based artistic development, cross-disciplinary exchange, and community engagement. The Nicholson Project is particularly known for combining intimate studio residencies with curatorial support, enabling artists to develop work in dialogue with visiting curators, peers, and local audiences.
Title & Description
The Nicholson Project 2027 Residency Programs (In-House & Local Artist Studio Residency)
The Nicholson Project is accepting applications for its 2027 residency cycle, offering artists immersive opportunities to develop their practice in a fully supported studio environment. The program includes two primary tracks: the 10-week In-House Residency and the 6–8 month Local Artist Studio Residency (LASR).
The In-House Residency provides selected artists with a fully furnished live/work suite inside a renovated historic home, including private living space and an attached studio. Residents are supported with financial stipends, curatorial engagement, studio visits, and optional project funding. The program emphasizes deep artistic focus, research development, and professional exposure within a structured but flexible residency environment.
The Local Artist Studio Residency is designed for artists based in Washington, DC and the surrounding region who do not require housing. It offers shared studio space, sustained access to facilities, a stipend, curatorial support, and a culminating public exhibition with production and installation assistance.
Across both programs, the residency prioritizes artistic innovation, material experimentation, and community-oriented practice, while fostering dialogue with curators, visiting professionals, and the broader DC arts ecosystem.
Categories
- Visual Art (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture)
- Mixed Media / Interdisciplinary Art
- Photography
- Film / Video / Moving Image
- Performance Art
- Installation Art
- Printmaking
- Textile / Fibre Art
- Social Practice / Community-Based Art
- Writing / Conceptual Art (where practice-based)
Eligibility
- In-House Residency: Open to local, national, and international artists. Applicants may be emerging, mid-career, or established.
- Local Artist Studio Residency (LASR): Open to artists based in Washington, DC and the greater DMV region. Priority is given to DC-based artists.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong and innovative artistic practice
- Clear conceptual direction and technical skill
- Relevance of the residency to their artistic development
- For LASR: ability to regularly use shared studio space
Program Benefits & Awards
In-House Residency (10 weeks)
- Private live/work residency suite in Washington, DC
- $5,000 artist stipend
- Fully furnished studio + living space
- 1-on-1 staff mentorship and support
- Curatorial studio visits and professional networking opportunities
- Press and promotional support
- Professional documentation (photo + headshots)
- Optional project funding up to $2,000 (post-acceptance proposal required)
Local Artist Studio Residency (6–8 months)
- Shared studio space (~200 sq. ft.)
- $2,000 artist stipend
- 24/7 studio access
- Curatorial visits and professional introductions
- Exhibition opportunity at program conclusion
- $1,000 exhibition production stipend
- Installation, documentation, and public programming support
Application Fee
$15 non-refundable application fee
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- Artist CV or resume
- Portfolio of work (images, video, or relevant documentation)
- Artist statement/project proposal
- Optional: supporting materials (sketches, links, research context)
- Availability for residency period selection
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 21 May 2026
- Notification Date: 21 August 2026
- Residency Period (In-House): 10 weeks between early 2027 sessions (typically starting mid–late January 2027)
- Residency Period (LASR): 6–8 months beginning February 2027
Location
2310 Nicholson Street SE, Washington, DC, United States
Additional Details
- Residents are expected to participate in studio visits, public engagement, and at least one public presentation (talk or tour).
- In-House residents must be present at least 75% of the residency period.
- Collaborative applications are accepted for In-House Residency, though shared living conditions are limited.
- Residency Projects (In-House only) are optional and may receive up to $2,000 additional funding after acceptance.
- The environment combines private studio time with an active cultural site, including exhibitions and a working garden.
- Transportation costs are not covered.
- The program prioritizes artist development, experimentation, and professional visibility.