A BIT ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
SCULPTURE SPACE, located in Utica, New York invites artists whose focus is sculpture to apply for a two-month residency between February 2028 and November 2028.
We offer a 5,500 square foot shared studio with specialized equipment in addition to six semi-private studios. The Studio Manager provides ongoing assistance and technical expertise; and is available to assist with any other special requirements. Basic understanding and communication skills in English are necessary. Up to six artists are in residence for each of the four distinct cohorts each year (Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jul/Aug and Oct/Nov) ; artists are expected to stay for a full two months. Housing is provided a block away in a newly renovated residence with private bedrooms, washer/dryer, internet, shared living space and kitchen. Artists are responsible for materials, specialized tools and food. Bicycles are provided; transport for materials purchase and other needs is also available.
The studio and house are located in an eclectic, historically underserved, diverse and upcoming Utica neighborhood — close to downtown, and situated in Central New York’s scenic Mohawk Valley. Because of Sculpture Space’s long history and presence in Utica, the community is supportive and receptive to site-specific work; in particular, we are interested in projects that realize and expand examples of creative place-making to our neighborhood and the community.
Since 1976, Sculpture Space has helped to support the careers and studio practice of over 700 artists from around the world. As desired, artists and arts professionals (including curators and writers) are invited for informal studio visits. The collaborative environment of the studio and the communal aspects of the residence help foster dialogue, the exchange of ideas, creative experimentation and both personal and professional connections. The local community is invited to Works in Progress reception during each cohort; other visits are arranged by appointment.
Artists are selected to the program by a panel of artists and professionals in the sculpting field. Applicants will be notified in March if accepted. Primary criteria for selection are based on the quality, originality and potential of each artist work and proposed project. We offer a $1000 stipend to offset travel and expenses. Dependent on funding, financial aid may be made available. Funded residencies should not be relied on and all accepted artists are encouraged to find individual grants and funding.
Artists are required to acknowledge Sculpture Space when works made while in residence are subsequently exhibited or published and provide high-quality images of works for the website, archives and publications. In addition, we require artists donate a mutually-agreed upon artwork to be sold at our annual CHAIRity Art Auction, held every September, benefitting Sculpture Space’s programming.
MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF SUPPORTING ARTISTS
Since 1976, Sculpture Space has supported the careers and studio practices of more than 700 artists from around the world.
Our residency is intentionally focused on giving artists time, space, resources, and freedom to work.
Artists and arts professionals—including curators, writers, educators, and other visiting practitioners—may be invited for informal studio visits. The shared studio and communal residence encourage dialogue, experimentation, collaboration, and lasting personal and professional relationships.
During each cohort, the community is invited to a Works in Progress reception, providing residents an opportunity to share their practices, ideas, and developing work. Additional studio visits are arranged by appointment.
SELECTION
Artists are selected by an independent panel of artists and professionals in the sculptural field. Applicants are notified in March.
Selection is based primarily on the quality, originality, and potential of the artist's work and proposed project.
Each selected artist receives a $1,000 cash stipend to help offset travel, living, and project expenses. Depending on available funding, additional financial assistance may occasionally be available. Artists should not rely on supplemental funding and are encouraged to pursue individual grants and other sources of support.
Artists are required to acknowledge Sculpture Space when work developed during the residency is subsequently exhibited or published and to provide high-quality images of their work for our website, archives, and publications.
Residents are also asked to donate a mutually agreed-upon artwork to Sculpture Space's annual CHAIRity Art Auction, held each September to benefit the residency program.
DIRECT ARTIST SUPPORT
DIRECT ARTIST SUPPORT
MORE THAN $10,000 INVESTED IN EVERY TWO-MONTH RESIDENT
Sculpture Space exists for one primary purpose: to support artists.
Each year, our approximately $250,000 operating budget supports 20 two-month resident artists and one nine-month long-term resident. The residency program is our program.
When the full cost of operating Sculpture Space is considered, we invest more than $10,000 in each artist participating in a two-month residency.
That support includes:
Two months of free housing in our artist residence
24-hour studio access in our 5,500-square-foot sculpture facility
A dedicated semi-private studio workspace
Technical and project support from our Studio Manager
Access to specialized tools and equipment
Basic studio materials and supplies
Transportation assistance for materials and residency needs
Visiting artists, curators, writers, and other arts professionals
Community engagement and Works in Progress programming
Administrative and organizational support throughout the residency
A $1,000 direct cash stipend
For our two-month residents, this represents an institutional investment of approximately $10,200 per artist.AN ARTIST FOCUSED RESIDENCY
AN ARTIST-FOCUSED RESIDENCY
At Sculpture Space, artist support isn't one program among many.
It is what we do.
For more than 50 years, we have concentrated our resources on creating an environment where sculptors have the time, space, equipment, technical assistance, financial support, and community they need to take risks and advance their work.
Our goal remains remarkably simple:
Give artists the space, time, and support to make what comes next.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Application For 2027 Opens on November 1, 2026
Applications are being accepted NOVEMBER 1 2026, through JANUARY 15, 2027 —— APPLY HERE.
A panel of local & guest jurors will select residencies based solely on the submission of - Up to TWELVE examples of recent (last five years) creative work and a Project Description that includes a paragraph of what you may choose to work on while in residence. (This review is blind - panel will not see your Name/Website/CV/personal details)
In addition, we require all of the following to consider your application complete:
1. CV/Resume;
2. 2 references with contact information;
3. Administration fee of US$25 (plus $10 Slideroom fee, $35 total)
RESIDENCY CONTACT
For more about Sculpture Space: its history, programming, residents and alumni, browse our website, Like us on Facebook and follow us Instagram, and/or contact:
Tom Montan, Executive Director
12 Gates Street
Utica, NY 13502 USA
Phone: 315-724-8381
Fax: 315-797-6639
tmontan@sculpturespace.org