Short Description

The Penland Artist Residency Program is designed for professional craft artists who are at a pivotal moment in their creative practice or career—the residency is an opportunity for them to pursue objectives that will have a lasting effect on their work and their lives.

Depending on the nature of an applicant’s goals, we offer two options for interested candidates.

  • 1-year project-based residency; artists submit a project proposal and may use the time to push technical and conceptual boundaries, conduct research and development in a particular topic or process, or explore an entirely new aspect of their work.
  • 3-year career transition residency; artists submit objectives to advance their studio practice, to work out the practicalities of making a living, or to make a formative transition in their career path.

 

Eligibility

We encourage self-motivated, focused individuals working in traditional and nontraditional studio crafts to apply for a residency. No prior connection to the school is required to apply. Penland celebrates varied ideas, world views, and personal characteristics, and is committed to being an organization that welcomes and respects everyone regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status.

Applications are reviewed by a national committee of artist peers, curators, educators, and other arts professionals who are knowledgeable about material-based work and the craft field in general and understand what it takes to be successful in a self-directed residency. Panelists rotate frequently to bring a range of new perspectives to the application process, and creating a diverse group of residents is one of the stated goals of selection. We will be accepting applications in all media except glass.

 

Submission Requirements

  • We factor equity and diversity into all of our decision-making.
  • Portfolios are scored in three areas: innovation, intention, and skill.
  • Applications must present a clear, compelling proposal for a 1-year project or 3-year objectives that can be well supported, informed, and inspired by a residency at Penland.
  • CVs are reviewed to determine if a candidate is actively engaged in professional artistic practices.
  • The particular qualities of the available studios and a balance of media will also be a factor.

 

How to Apply

Online Application

 

Program Benefits & Awards

  • There is no cost to residents for housing, studio space, or utilities.
  • Artists are responsible for providing tools and equipment vital to their daily studio practices; resident artist studios are simply raw studio spaces.
  • Artists are responsible for travel expenses to and from Penland

 

Entry Fee

None

 

Location

Penland, NC, United States

 

Timeline

  • Application Period: 1 May 2025 through 2 July 2025

 

Website Link: https://penland.org/residencies/resident-artist-program/

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