Residency Programs

Ground Floor Program residency group Alchemyverse in their studio, 2022. Courtesy of the artists

Ground Floor Program resident, Nicole Franchy in her studio, 2015. Photo by Megan Paetzhold.

At the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) each artist and curator is provided with a private and furnished studio space and 24-hour access to all communal facilities. While ISCP does not provide accommodation, most International Program sponsorships include stipends for living expenses, travel, materials and housing. All residents at ISCP are encouraged to take advantage of the in-house community of artists and curators, offering invaluable international and local networks, professional conversations and critique.

An International Program residency at ISCP is typically three to six months, although artists and curators can apply for up to one year. While in the International Program, all residents are invited to participate in a number of activities in and outside of ISCP including the four core program activities: Visiting Critics, Field Trips, Artists and Work and Open Studios.

Visiting Critics

The Visiting Critic series is the hallmark of ISCP’s residency program. It introduces residents to professionals from museums, galleries, alternative spaces and publications within the context of a studio visit, generating critical feedback from diverse positions.

Field Trips

ISCP organizes visits to museums, galleries, alternative spaces, archives and other places of interest to art professionals. Often, a curator or staff member introduces the institution’s mission and program. Past Field Trips have included the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Conservation Department at MoMA, Dia:Beacon, Art Omi, art spaces in SoHo and on the Lower East Side, private collections and many other institutions in Greater New York.

Open Studios

Twice a year, in April and November, ISCP hosts two-day Open Studios, presenting work by the 35 ISCP artists and curators in residence, accompanied by performances, panel discussions and exhibitions. During Open Studios, residents present recent projects, work in progress, site-specific installations and their archives to thousands of professionals and art enthusiasts from New York and beyond.

Artists at Work

Residents at ISCP are invited to present their recent work in monthly public ‘Artists at Work’ presentations. These events feature lectures, screenings and performances, and introduce the work of ISCP artists and curators to the New York art community.

The Ground Floor residency is a one-year program that offers subsidized workspace and professional development for New York City-based artists. Launched in 2015, Ground Floor at ISCP takes place on the first floor of ISCP in tandem with ISCP’s acclaimed international residency program, forming an integral part of the dynamic, in-house fusion of artists and curators from all over the world.

Throughout the year, ISCP organizes professional development activities specifically for Ground Floor artists, including regular one-on-one meetings with Visiting Critics. Past critics include Ruba Katrib, Polly Apfelbaum, Jim Hodges, Gee Wesley, and Piper Marshall. In addition, Ground Floor artists are invited to make proposals for ISCP’s project space, participate in three open studios events annually, and attend monthly social gatherings.

Apply

Artists and curators from anywhere in the world, including the United States, can apply to the International Program residencies at ISCP. There are three ways to apply: 1) partner application 2) open call for applications 3) direct application. See below for more information.

International Program at ISCP

Artists and curators from anywhere in the world, including the United States, can apply to the International Program residencies at ISCP. There are three ways to apply: 1) partner application 2) open call for applications 3) direct application.

International Program residencies are generally between three and twelve months and are sponsored by governments, corporations, foundations, institutions, organizations, galleries and private patrons. Below you can find more information about to how to apply. Read more about the opportunities offered by this program here.


 

Partner application: ISCP collaborates with over forty partnering sponsors. These are governments, institutions, foundations and organizations that fund many of our residency opportunities. Partnering sponsors publicly call for applications for ISCP residencies. A list of ISCP sponsors to date can be found here.


Open call for applications: ISCP collaborates with grant-giving organizations such as artist foundations and uses donor-supported funds to offer fully-funded residency opportunities. Over the course of the year, ISCP holds various open calls that are announced on this section of the website. The finalist is selected by a jury organized by ISCP. We urge you to apply to an open call if you feel that you meet the specific parameters described. Please scroll below to see our current open calls.


Direct application (no deadline to apply): ISCP offers a direct application method for applicants who would like to secure sponsorship on their own. Sponsors are outside organizations or individuals who provide funds to cover the cost of the program fee, including the private studio, and they might also provide a stipend for travel, accommodations, and living expenses. Residencies cannot be self-funded or crowdfunded.

The direct application is a two-step process. Applicants must first apply to ISCP by following the directions below, and if selected by ISCP’s review panel, applicants then apply to a potential sponsor (an outside organization or individual who provides funding to cover the program fee). Once the applicant receives confirmation of their funding, ISCP will work with them to schedule their residency. There is no application deadline and the applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.

The program fee for 2024 is $2,441.43 to $2,698.44 per month. The program fee for 2025 is $2,514.67 to $2,779.39 per month. The exact monthly fee depends on the size and type of studio. Applicants must also consider the cost of travel, accommodations, and living expenses.

In addition to this application form, please include the following supporting materials in your email: Curriculum vitae (5 pages max); Work samples (include 10 images or video links with a caption: title, date, medium, and dimensions/duration for each work, and a description of each work); 2 to 3 scanned copies of reviews, if applicable (10 pages max.); 2 to 3 scanned copies of catalogs, if applicable (pages that feature your work only); 1 reference letter (send to ISCP directly with applicant’s name in subject line to application@iscp-nyc.org); 1 second reference contact information (different referee than referee from reference letter, only need to include name, title, institution, email, telephone and address). Supporting materials should be sent as a single PDF.

When applying, please also review the following:

  • Frequently asked questions about the application process.
  • As noted above, ISCP does not locate sponsors for direct applicants. Once accepted, artists and curators are responsible for securing funding. A list of ISCP sponsors to date can be found here.
  • When planning your residency, please bear in mind that residencies are scheduled approximately one to two years in advance. Availability for the upcoming year is limited. The timing of your residency cannot be confirmed until you receive confirmation of funding.
  • You are not eligible for a residency at ISCP if you are enrolled in school at the time of your residency.
  • Artists and curators in residence must be highly proficient in spoken and written English.
  • Due to the volume of applications received, ISCP is unable to provide feedback for unsuccessful applications.
  • If you have previously completed a residency at ISCP, you are welcome to apply and return to ISCP. You are required to submit the direct application if it has been five years since your ISCP residency. You do not need to include a recommendation letter. Please note on your application that you are an ISCP alum.

After an applicant submits a direct application to ISCP, the panel reviews the application within two months, and if the applicant is selected, they receive an acceptance letter. The applicant has two years from the date of the acceptance letter to secure a sponsor (an outside organization or individual who provides funding to cover program fees). Once applicant secures sponsorship, they must send ISCP confirmation of their funding. ISCP staff and applicant will then schedule the residency (typically for a date one to two years later) and both parties will sign an agreement letter.

If you do not have a U.S. passport or Green Card, you should immediately apply for a U.S. visa after confirming the timing of your residency and signing the agreement. The U.S. State Department’s consular website can be checked to confirm visa eligibility and requirements: http://travel.state.gov/. ISCP recommends making contact immediately with the nearest United States Consulate or Embassy in the resident’s home country. ISCP residents generally enter the United States on a B1/B2 visa, which is issued for business/tourist purposes. Upon request, ISCP will provide a letter in support of the visa application to incoming residents.

Ground Floor at ISCP for New York City Artists

The Ground Floor Residency is a one to two-year program that offers subsidized studios and professional development for New York City-based artists. Launched in 2015, the Ground Floor Program takes place on the first floor of the building in tandem with ISCP’s acclaimed International Residency Program. The Ground Floor Residents are integral to ISCP’s dynamic community of artists and curators from all over the world. Artists based in New York City can apply to the Ground Floor Program through an open call for applications. This open call occurs every one to two years. Please scroll below to see our current open calls.

Current Open Calls

ISCP Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Residency Open Call

Deadline: March 14, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 14, 2025 at 11:59PM

RESIDENCY PERIOD: Six months, September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026

LOCATION: International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP), 1040 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

DESCRIPTION: The International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) is pleased to announce an open call for a six-month artist residency, fully funded by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. The residency is for visual artists eligible to work in the United States whose work in painting, drawing and/or printmaking is characterized by a spirit of innovation. Support includes a living and materials stipend of $3,050 per month. The residency program includes 24/7 access to a private, furnished studio space; monthly hour-long meetings with visiting critics; field trips to museums, galleries, and other cultural venues; and participation in a public talk. Residents become part of a growing network of over 2,000 alumni from more than 100 countries who have undertaken residencies at ISCP, all of whom have contributed to creating a dynamic and ever-engaging space of cultural and artistic exchange. 

APPLICATION PROCESS: For consideration for a 2025-26 Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Residency at ISCP, please submit the following to application@iscp-nyc.org by March 14, 2024, indicating “Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Residency” in the subject line.

Application Form (attached)

Applicants must provide the following information: name, date of birth, place of birth, mailing address, telephone number, and email address. You may also indicate your gender pronoun, and ethnicity, though this is optional.

  1. Curriculum vitae: 5 pages max.
  2. Work samples: this should include 10 images or video links with captions (title, date, medium, and dimensions/duration for each work) and a brief description of each work
  3. 2-3 scanned reviews (if applicable): 10 pages, maximum
  4. Scanned copies of catalogs (if applicable): 10 pages, maximum, that feature your work only
  5. Reference letter
  6. Second reference contact information: please include name, title, institution, email, telephone, and address (different referee from above, contact information only)
  7. Proof of eligibility to work in the US: US Passport or US Green Card copy. Proof of eligibility must be submitted as a separate document from the application. This should be submitted at the same time you send in your application. 

ELIGIBILITY:  This is an opportunity for artists whose work in painting, drawing and/or printmaking is characterized by a spirit of innovation. Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship or have permanent or temporary residency status that offers eligibility to be paid in the United States. Applicants must be able to accept a 1099 U.S. government form. Applicants may not be ISCP alumni or residents in another studio program at the same time as the Helen Frankenthaler Residency.

SELECTION: The selection committee of three jurors reviews applications based on quality, originality and artistic merit. Other consideration factors are: the potential impact of the residency on the applicant, the applicant’s past accomplishments, and preparedness to undertake the residency. Interviews with finalists will be held by the selection committee as needed.

STUDIO INFORMATION: The selected candidate will receive a 378-square-foot studio for the duration of the residency. This studio has windows and is located on our third floor. Please note, ISCP’s third floor is only accessible by stairs. 

NOTIFICATION: Artists will be notified by May 1, 2025 about the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Residency results.

Note: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please submit your application in a single PDF no larger than 10 mb.

ISCP Ground Floor Program Open Call

Deadline: March 21, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 21, 2025 at 11:59PM

PROGRAM DURATION: June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025*

*With an option to renew for a second year

PROGRAM COSTS: $330.45 per month

Program Description:

The International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) is pleased to announce an Open Call for New York City artists for the Ground Floor Program, a subsidized studio-based residency. Year-long residencies, with the option to renew for a second year, will be awarded to two exceptional artists. Applicants must reside in New York City for at least the last two years in order to be eligible for the program. The Ground Floor Program is supported by the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation; Alice and Lawrence Weiner; Danna and Ed Ruscha; New York City Council District 34; Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; and the Hartfield Foundation.

Launched in 2015, the Ground Floor Program takes place on the first floor of the institution’s East Williamsburg building, and functions in tandem with the acclaimed International Program on the upper floors. The Ground Floor artists are an integral part of the dynamic, in-house fusion of residents who come from all over the world. Initiated in response to the critical lack of affordable studio space in New York City, this program helps to ease this pronounced gap. It introduces enriched opportunities for professional and creative growth to the city’s artists, and offers a supportive environment, access to new ideas and practices coming from other countries, and provides an opportunity for local artists to build lifelong international networks. 

ISCP has two studios available for the Ground Floor Program this year. One is a total of 170 square feet and the other 215 square feet. These two studios do not have windows. The program cost is $330.45 per month.

This type of studio has been a conducive work space for our Ground Floor cohorts. The program includes 24-hour access to a furnished studio, a shared kitchen and lounge, WiFi, and all utilities. Artists may participate in monthly field trips to museums, galleries and other cultural organizations, meet with four to six visiting critics for studio visits each year, and propose a public talk. Artists also are required to participate in ISCP’s bi-annual Open Studios events. In addition, ISCP will present one solo show of work by a Ground Floor artist in ISCP’s Project Space in fall 2025 (a call for proposals will be shared in spring 2025). Ground Floor artists will be invited to a call for exhibition proposals in May or June 2025. 

Artists working across all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Sculptural practice is possible, however, there are no workshop facilities for woodworking, casting, welding, ceramics, or separate fabrication areas.

APPLICATION PROCESS: For consideration for the Ground Floor Program at ISCP, please submit the following to application@iscp-nyc.org by March 21, 2025, indicating “ISCP Ground Floor Program” in the subject line.

APPLICATION FORM: Please download the attached application form and provide all the required information. 

Applicants must provide the following information: name, date of birth, mailing address, telephone number, and email address. You may also indicate your gender pronoun, and ethnicity, though this is optional.

  1. Curriculum vitae: 5 pages max.
  2. Work samples: this should include 10 images or video links with captions (title, date, medium, and dimensions/duration for each work) and a brief description of each work
  3. Reference letter: can either be attached to your application or emailed separately to application@iscp-nyc.org with applicants name in the subject line 
  4. Second reference contact information: please include name, title, institution, email, telephone, and address (different referee from above, contact information only.)
  5. Proof of NYC Residency: this can be income tax returns or utility bills. To be submitted separately from your application materials. 
  6. 2-3 scanned reviews, essays, or other press (if applicable): 10 pages, max.
  7. 2-3 scanned copies of catalogs (if applicable): pages that feature your work only
  8. Application responses
  9. Acknowledgement of studio size and that the monthly studio program fees are $330.45. 

ELIGIBILITY: This program is specifically for artists living in New York City for at least the last two years. Proof of NYC residency is required in order to apply. Proof of residency can look like bills with the mailing address displayed. Please submit proof of residency as a separate document from the application.

SELECTION: The selection committee of three jurors reviews applications based on quality, originality and artistic merit. Other consideration factors are: the potential impact of the residency on the applicant, the applicant’s past accomplishments, and preparedness to undertake the residency. Interviews with finalists will be held by the selection committee as needed.

NOTIFICATION: Artists will be notified by May 6, 2025 about the Ground Floor Residency results.

Note: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please submit your application in a single PDF no larger than 10 mb.