Keyholder Residency

Next Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Next Residency Period: October 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026


The Keyholder Residency Program offers emerging artists free 24-hour access to printmaking facilities to develop new work and foster their artistic careers. It takes place in the shared Artists’ Studio, including the solvent/etching area and the darkroom.


Keyholders work independently, in a productive atmosphere alongside other contemporary artists. Artists from all disciplines are eligible to apply; printmaking skills are not required, but some familiarity with the medium is recommended. Basic instruction in printmaking techniques is available for new Keyholders. Technical assistance is not included in the program, but is available at additional cost.


Applications are evaluated by an invited panel of artists, critics, curators, and art professionals. A total of 8 artists are awarded the residency annually. Artists based in the New York City area and without access to a studio space are encouraged to apply.

Includes

• 24-hour shared studio access for nine months
• $1,000 stipend
• storage space
• basic supplies (newsprint, blotters, solvents, cleaners)
• consultation hours with the Printshop’s staff
• opportunities to show new work in exhibitions and other public events presented by the Printshop
• Access to Materials for the Arts

Eligibility

• Only current US residents may apply. (Social Security Number is required.)
• Students enrolled in any kind of degree program at the time of the residency are not eligible.
• Keyholder Residencies are limited to emerging artists only. The Printshop defines emerging artists as under-recognized and under-represented artists at early stages in their careers.
• Artists without access to a studio space are encouraged to apply.
• Past recipients of the Keyholder Residency are not eligible.
• Artist duos or teams are not eligible; residencies are awarded per artist.
• Artist must reside in the New York metro area during the year of residency.

Application Requirements

• Up to 8 digital images of recent (past 2 years) work
• Image list: your name, work title, year, medium, and dimensions
• Application form
• Artistic resume
• Names and contact information of two references
• Applications must be submitted by 11:59PM EST on the deadline date, no exceptions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

No phone and/or email inquiries about the status of your application, please. All applicants will be notified of the panel’s decision by email before the residency start date.


The Printshop does not provide housing assistance.


Keyholder Residencies have been supported in large part by grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and New York State Legislature, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Paul Bechtner Foundation, Jerome Foundation, New York Community Trust, PECO Foundation, and Leon Polk Smith Foundation.


KEYHOLDER ALUMNI