2026-27 Artist Studio Program

About the Open Call

The Smack Mellon Artist Studio Program provides free private studio space (250-300 sq ft) and a fellowship to six NYC-based emerging or early career visual artists for an 11-month period (September 2026 - August 2027). Artists gain 24/7 access to shared facilities including a digital production lab and fabrication shop, technical support, and benefit from regular studio visits with curators, public open studio events, and career-building opportunities. Three fellowships are specifically for Van Lier fellows who are culturally diverse, economically disadvantaged, under 30, and from historically underrepresented communities in NYC. The other three are for emerging artists of any age residing in NYC. Applicants must be US citizens or legal permanent residents, at least 18, not enrolled in a degree program, and demonstrate need for a studio.

What is Offered

Free private studio space accessible 24/7, fellowship, regular studio visits with curators, public open studio events, access to shared facilities (digital production lab, fabrication shop), technical support, significant exposure and invaluable career-building opportunities.

Requirements

Applicants must be NYC-based emerging or early career artists, legal residents of NYC and file taxes in NYC for a minimum of one year prior to the application deadline, residing in NYC at the time of application and for the term of the residency. Applicants must be United States citizens or legal Permanent Residents, 18 years or older, not enrolled in any degree program, and able to demonstrate need for a studio. Artists may not be a resident artist in another studio program at the same time. Accepted artists must actively use their studio a minimum of 50 hours a month. For the New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowship, applicants must also identify racially and/or culturally with a historically underrepresented community, be age 30 or younger, and have a demonstrated need for financial assistance. Collaborative teams (max 3 people) must have an established practice and apply with collective work.

How to Apply

To apply to the 2026-2027 season, visit our Submittable page. Deadline: Apply by December 1, 2025. Please review the eligibility and application guidelines carefully before beginning your application.