Residency Program

We select up to twenty sculptors each year. These sculptors are reviewed by committee and determined to possess an innovated approach and high level of talent in sculpture, worthy of the award of a residency spot at Sculpture Space. The Sculpture Space Review Committee and selected guest panelists make these selections from the hundreds of applications received each season. The primary criteria are quality, originality and potential for growth. Artists are requested to credit and acknowledge Sculpture Space when the work that they make here is subsequently exhibited or published, and to provide high quality images of their work for our website, archives, publications and grant applications. In addition, we require artists donate an artwork to be sold at our annual CHAIRity Art Auction, benefiting Sculpture Space programming.

The Residency

Residencies are scheduled in two month cohort blocks between February and November with no more than six artists in residency at one time. Artists are expected to stay and work for a full two-month period. Residents have access to the studio 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are responsible for their own materials, specialized tools, fees for work done outside the premises, and for an assistant, should they require one. Residents typically spend approximately $1,000 per month on materials and expenses. A basic command of the English language is necessary. Bicycles are available for artists’ use; other transportation arrangements may be made with Sculpture Space staff if needed. Arrangements may be made with the Studio Manager for occasional assistance with transporting materials.

Sculpture Space’s Studio Manager will provide an introductory orientation session and can provide technical assistance as needed. Sculpture Space facilities and grounds can accommodate a great variety of projects, both in terms of materials and scale. The City of Utica and community are supportive of community-based site-specific work. The public is invited to quarterly Works-in-Progress Receptions; other visits occur by appointment. As desired, artists and arts professionals (including curators and writers) are invited for informal studio visits.

A personal visit to Sculpture Space is welcomed. Please call to make an appointment.

Housing

Housing is provided for free to selected artists.Located one block from the studio the residents live in private, furnished bedrooms with shared fully-equipped kitchen, living space, four bathrooms and washer/dryer. Kitchen appliances include dishwasher, coffee makers, slow cooker, rice cookers, blenders and food processor. Artists are responsible for their own meals. Bed linens and towels are provided. No pets are allowed in the studio or the artists’ apartment.

The Studio

The studio is located in West Utica, close to downtown, in proximity to light industry and various fabrication shops. The collaborative environment of the studio and the communal aspects of the residence help foster dialogue, exchange of ideas, creative experimentation and both personal and professional connections. The facility consists of 5,500 square feet of open studio, and five foot private studios for special projects. The space is outfitted with concrete floors, a two ton system of traveling hoists, and extra wide overhead doors. The studio and house have wireless access; artists may borrow available digital equipment. The ¾ acres of land surrounding the building can supplement indoor studio space in the summer. An outdoor work pad is equipped with a 50' monorail hoist. Artists should bring their own goggles, hand tools and specialized equipment. For a complete list of available tools and equipment, please see the Facilities and Equipment page.