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The Nicholson Project's Open Call for 2027 Artist Residencies

Type: Residencies, Workshops, Exchanges [View all]
Posted by: The Nicholson Project
Deadline: Thu, May 21st, 2026

The Nicholson Project was founded with a deep commitment to providing artists with the time, space, and support to create and further their practice. We want you to feel 100% supported during your time at Nicholson and beyond.

Our flagship residency program is our 10-week In-House Residency. As part of the In-House Residency award, you will receive the following:

- Time and space to create to include 10-weeks of on-site live and work space at The Nicholson Project (2310 Nicholson St. SE)

- $5,000 artist stipend

- Private access to the Residency Suite which includes an apartment inside of a converted row-house, with an artist studio attached. The apartment includes a fully furnished bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. See more details about the Residency Suite below.

- One-on-one support from staff

- Studio visits with a guest curators throughout your residency

- Introductions to artists, curators, and others you would like to meet for research related to your practice

- Promotional support (press releases for residency, social media promotion, etc)

- Professional documentation of your work and headshots

- Up to $2,000 and staff support to develop and implement a Residency Project. Residency Projects are optional and you must apply for this funding after you are accepted into the Residency Program. See details below.

DC and DC-regional artists may apply for our Local Artists Studio Residency (LASR). As part of the LASR award, you will receive the following:

- Six-eight months of shared studio space at The Nicholson Project (2310 Nicholson St. SE)

- $2,000 artist stipend

- Time and space to create

- Shared studio space (approximately 200 sq. ft. within a ~400 sq. ft. studio) with 24/7 access. A second artist will be using the other half of this studio. - One-on-one support from staff

- Studio visits and introductions to artists, curators, and professionals throughout your residency as they relate to your practice

- Promotional support (press releases for residency, social media promotion, etc.)

- Professional headshots

- Culminating exhibition including a $1,000 exhibition stipend, exhibition design and installation support, documentation, and public programming (opening reception, artist talk, etc)

 

APPLICATIONS FOR 2027 RESIDENCIES ARE OPEN THROUGH MAY 21, 2026.

Please read full details about eligibility and FAQs here: https://www.thenicholsonproject.org/residency-program

 

RESIDENCY FAQs

WHO CAN APPLY?

In-House Residency: We welcome local, national, and international emerging, mid-career, and established artists.

Local Artist Studio Residency: This residency is for local artists who do not need living space. We give priority to DC artists first, followed by artists from the surrounding DC/DMV region, as long as they can commit to utilizing the studio space on a frequent basis.

Past residents have included filmmakers, mixed media artists, musicians, painters, photographers, poets, performance artists, printmakers, sculptors, textile artists, and social practice artists, among others. 

Applications are evaluated based on innovative and impactful concepts and practice, mastery of form and craftsmanship, how the program will benefit the artist’s growth, and their connection to Washington, DC and Southeast DC in particular.

HOW DO I APPLY?

We use Slideroom to receive and review applications. It is free to make an account. There is a $15 non-refundable application fee.

WHEN CAN I APPLY?

Applications for 2027 residencies are now open on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and will close 11:59pm on May 21, 2026. CLICK HERE to access the current application. Check back to this page or sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on The Nicholson Project’s activities.

WHEN WILL MY RESIDENCY BE?

In-House Residency: Each residency is 10 weeks, with the first session typically beginning mid to late January. Applicants are asked to indicate which periods they are available.

Local Artist Studio Residency: Each residency runs for six to eight months, with start date typically in February. Staff will work with selected artists to confirm final dates.

WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS DUE?

Applications for 2027 residencies close on May 21, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

NOTIFICATION?

Notifications for the 2027 application cycle will be sent out by August 21, 2026. Please do not email staff asking about notifications before this date.

WHO CHOOSES THE RESIDENTS?

Residents are chosen by a selection committee, including Nicholson staff plus outside community members, stakeholders, curators, Nicholson residency alumni, and artists actively working in the arts community. This years panelists include Abbey Alison McClain, Shaunté Gates, and Oshun Layne.

Application Fee $15  

Posted on Thu, April 30th, 2026
Expires on Thu, May 21st, 2026

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