Visual Studies Workshop Project Space Residency 2027

Name: Visual Studies Workshop Project Space Residency 2027
Start: 2026/04/10
End: 2026/05/18
Location: New York, United States

Organizer Information

Visual Studies Workshop (VSW) is a historic media arts center located in Rochester, NY. For over 50 years, VSW has supported experimental photography, film, and media art. The workshop provides a unique environment where artists can engage with extensive collections, digital printing facilities, and an analog darkroom. Supported by organizations like the Max and Marian Farash Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts, VSW fosters a society that values the human need to create and share expansive ideas.

Title & Description

VSW Project Space Residency 2027.

This program provides artists with the time, space, and resources necessary to expand their practice or continue ongoing projects. Rooted in creative experimentation, the residency encourages artists to explore new display strategies and engage in critical dialogue with curators and the public. Residents are not required to complete a finished project; instead, the focus is on the creative process, offering opportunities for public engagement through lectures and Open Studio events.

Eligibility

Open to U.S.-based and international artists at any career stage.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Currently enrolled students are ineligible (PhD candidates in the dissertation phase are eligible).
Collaborative duos are welcome to apply.
Previous residents may apply, but priority is given to first-time applicants or those who have not held a residency at VSW within the last three years.

Program Benefits & Awards:

Stipend: $1,000 for the 4-week residency.
Supplies Budget: $250 for project materials.
Travel Budget: Up to $500 for artists traveling from outside the Rochester region.
Studio Access: 24/7 access to a private studio, analog darkroom, and digital printing equipment.
Housing: Fully furnished, accessible apartment within walking distance of VSW.
Support: Technical assistance from a digital printing technician and research support in VSW’s extensive collections.

Application Fee:

$10 (non-refundable). Fee waivers are available upon request by contacting Hernease Davis at least five days before the deadline.

Application Requirements:

A 250–500 word proposal describing your artistic practice and residency project.
A bio of no more than 100 words with a website link.
Work samples from the last 3 years: Up to 10 still images (72 dpi, 4-5MB each) or 10 minutes of moving image material.
First and second choice of residency month for the 2027 cycle.

How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted electronically through the Submittable portal via the VSW website at vsw.org.

Key Dates:

Application Deadline: May 18, 2026 (11:59 pm ET).
Notification: Late June/Early July 2026.
Residency Period: 4-week terms scheduled between January and December 2027.

Location

Rochester, New York, USA.

Additional Details

The jury consists of VSW staff and guest jurors, including Aspen Mays and Le’Andra LeSeur. Collaborations are welcome, though collaborators must be comfortable sharing the provided apartment. While pets are generally not permitted, Service Animals/ESAs may be approved by the landlord with prior notification.