Organizer Information
The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program is a prestigious residency initiative based in DUMBO, Brooklyn, funded and managed by the Walentas Family Foundation. The program's roots date back to 1991 when it was established by the Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation. In 2014, the Walentas Family Foundation took over its administration to preserve the program's legacy and ensure its continued impact on the New York art scene. The foundation is dedicated to the belief that the arts are central to the health of a community and seeks to support artists by providing them with the rarest of resources in New York City: high-quality, rent-free professional workspace. Over the decades, the program has hosted hundreds of artists, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant international recognition.
Title & Description
The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program 2026-2027 Residency
The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program awards rent-free, non-living studio spaces to 17 visual artists for a year-long residency. The primary purpose of the program is to provide artists with the time and space needed to focus on their creative practice without the financial burden of Manhattan or Brooklyn studio rents. The program emphasizes the importance of a professional environment and the organic community that forms when a diverse group of artists works in close proximity. While the residency is self-directed and does not require a specific final "product," it encourages experimentation, growth, and the deepening of one’s artistic inquiry.
Categories
The program is specifically designed for Visual Artists. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Painting and Drawing
- Sculpture and Installation
- Photography and Digital Media
- Video Art and New Media
- Textile and Fiber Arts
- Mixed Media(Note: Work involving high levels of noise, heavy machinery, toxic fumes, or significant fire risk is generally not permitted due to building safety and the proximity of other artists.)
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to professional visual artists who meet the following criteria:
- Location: Open to artists residing anywhere in the United States, as well as U.S. citizens or permanent residents living abroad.
- Age: Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of the residency.
- Professional Status: The program is for professional artists. It is not open to students currently enrolled in any degree-granting program (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate).
- Exclusivity: Applicants may not be current participants in any other residency or fellowship program that overlaps with the Sharpe-Walentas dates.
- Collaboration: Studios are intended for individual use only; collaborative teams are not typically accommodated unless specified in the application.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists receive a significant professional package designed to support their career trajectory:
- Rent-Free Studio: One individual, non-living studio space in DUMBO, Brooklyn, for a full year.
- Facilities: 24/7 access to the building, including communal spaces such as a kitchen, slop sinks, and a sitting area with high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Exhibition & Exposure: Participation in the annual Spring Open Studios event, which draws high-profile curators, collectors, and the general public.
- Community: Inclusion in a cohort of 17 diverse peers, fostering networking and professional dialogue.
- Duration: A full 12-month term (September to August).
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Work Samples: Five clear images of recent work.
- Video Submissions: For artists working in video or time-based media, a combination of up to 5 videos and/or stills is accepted.
- Artist Statement: A concise description of your current practice and artistic goals.
- Statement of Need: A brief explanation of why a studio space in New York is critical for your practice at this time.
- Resume/CV: A professional history of exhibitions, education, and awards.
- (Note: The jury does not accept supplemental materials, letters of recommendation, or physical submissions via mail.)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Notification Date: June 2026
- Residency Period: September 2026 – August 2027
Location
Brooklyn, New York City, United States
Additional Details
- Housing: This is a work-only residency. The program does not provide housing, stipends for living expenses, or travel costs. Artists are responsible for their own lodging and materials.
- Studio Presence: Residents are expected to spend at least 20 hours per week in their studio to maintain the vitality of the program.
- Communal Care: Artists are responsible for the upkeep of their individual studios and shared communal areas.