Penumbra Foundation Residencies

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Brief Description

Penumbra Foundation, a nonprofit arts organization based in NYC, is dedicated to fostering contemporary photographic practices through education, artist residencies, exhibitions, and lectures. The foundation offers two distinct residencies for 2025:

  1. Workspace Artist-in-Residence (A-I-R) Program – A 6–8 week residency providing emerging artists with access to facilities, resources, and professional support to develop their projects.
  2. Risograph Publication Residency – A one-month residency focused on producing small-edition photobooks using risograph printing.

Both programs emphasize creative exploration, skill development, and community engagement.

Information & Application Details

  • Submission Opens: February 1, 2025
  • Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025
  • Recipients Announced: May 15, 2025
  • Fee: FREE
  • Residency Location: New York City

Eligibility

  • Open to US-based artists.
  • Applicants must not be enrolled in an academic program at the time of the residency.
  • All photographic processes, including cross-disciplinary approaches, are accepted.

Themes

  • Contemporary photography and image-based projects.
  • Artistic experimentation, photobook production, and technical skill-building.

How to Apply

  • Submit 10–20 work samples, a detailed proposal, an artist statement, and a resume.
  • Clearly express how the residency will benefit their practice in a Letter of Intent.
  • Applications are reviewed annually by a rotating panel of arts professionals.

Submission Requirements

  • Workspace A-I-R: Applicants must outline their intended activities.
  • Risograph Residency: Applicants must explain why their project is suited for risograph printing.

Selection Process

  • Evaluated by a rotating panel of experts.
  • Selection criteria include creativity, coherence, and feasibility of the proposal.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Workspace A-I-R:
    • Access to state-of-the-art photography facilities.
    • Professional and technical support.
    • Opportunity to engage in community activities like workshops or exhibitions.
    • Honorarium provided.
  • Risograph Publication Residency:
    • Access to risograph printing facilities.
    • Support for book production and distribution.
    • Concludes with a book launch event in September 2025.

Obligations & Costs

  • Artists must cover housing and transportation expenses.
  • Workspace A-I-R: Residents must contribute an edition of their work to support future programs.
  • Risograph Residency: 40% of the printed edition must be donated for archival, educational, and promotional purposes.
  • All residents must present their projects at a group event in September 2025.

Website: https://photobooksatpenumbrafoundation.org/residency-risograph-publication

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