Organizer Information:
Penland School of Craft. Established in the 1960s, this is one of the longest-running artist residencies in the United States, located in a rural, mountainous terrain. It is designed to surround makers with a community of encouragement.
Title & Description:
Applications are open for the Penland Resident Artist Program (2027 Intake).
Designed for professional craft artists at a pivotal moment in their practice, this residency offers financial relief to directly support a formative leap in their work and career. Applicants may choose between two tracks:
- 1-Year Project-Based Residency: For pushing technical/conceptual boundaries, research and development, or exploring a new aspect of work.
- 3-Year Career Transition Residency: To advance studio practice, work out the practicalities of making a living, or make a formative career transition.
Category:
Craft & Studio Arts (Books, clay, drawing/painting, glass, letterpress, iron, metals, papermaking, photography, printmaking, textiles, and wood).
Eligibility:
- Who: Self-motivated, professional craft artists actively engaged in professional artistic practices.
- Media Exclusion: For this specific intake, applications will be accepted in all media EXCEPT hot glass.
- Studio Equipment: Resident artist studios are provided as raw studio spaces. Artists are strictly responsible for providing the tools and equipment vital to their daily studio practices.
- Community Obligations: Residents MUST host an open studio evening during each Penland session (about 7 events a year), maintain an open-door policy during work hours, and participate in the Annual Benefit Auction.
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Financial Relief: Absolutely no cost for housing, studio space, or utilities.
- Education: Each resident is invited to enroll in one short workshop, tuition-free, during their residency.
- Representation: All resident artists are represented by the Penland Gallery and encouraged to sell work directly from their studios.
Application Fee & Program Costs:
- Application Fee: (USD): $30.00
- Travel Costs: Artists are solely responsible for all travel expenses to and from Penland.
Application Requirements:
Applications are reviewed by a national committee and scored on innovation, intention, and skill. Submissions must include:
- Portfolio of work.
- Project Proposal: A clear, compelling proposal for a 1-year project OR 3-year objectives.
- CV: Demonstrating active engagement in professional practices.
How to Apply?
Applications are accepted exclusively through the Penland SlideRoom portal once the call opens.
Key Dates:
- Application Window Opens: April 15, 2026.
- Informational Session (Zoom): Tuesday, June 3, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT. (Email programsassistant@penland.org with subject "Resident Artist Informational Session" to register).
- Application Deadline: June 15, 2026.
- Residency Start Date: March 15, 2027.
Location:
Penland School of Craft, Penland, USA.
Contact Information:
Inquiries Email: programsassistant@penland.org
Website: https://penland.org/residencies/resident-artist-program/