About the Open Call

The Summer 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 LESP's Community Studio, including the solvent/etching area and darkroom. Keyholders work independently, in a productive atmosphere alongside other contemporary artists. Artists from all disciplines are eligible to apply; some familiarity with the medium is required. Artists with specific printmaking projects are highly encouraged apply. Applications are evaluated by an invited panel of artists, critics, curators, and art professionals. Includes: 24/7, 3-month access to a shared studio with printmaking facilities, $500 stipend, storage space, basic supplies (newsprint, blotters, solvents, cleaners), 1 free printmaking class at LESP, consultation hours with the Printshop’s staff, guest curator critiques and salons, group exhibition opportunities, and access to Materials for the Arts. Eligibility: Artists must reside in New York metro area during the residency period. 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.

What is Offered

24/7, 3-month access to a shared studio with printmaking facilities, a $500 stipend, storage space, basic supplies, 1 free printmaking class at LESP, consultation hours with the Printshop’s staff, guest curator critiques and salons, group exhibition opportunities, and access to Materials for the Arts.

Requirements

Artists must reside in New York metro area during the residency period. Students enrolled in any kind of degree program at the time of the residency are not eligible. Limited to emerging artists only, defined 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. Application requirements include: Up to 10 digital images of recent (past 2 years) work, image list, application form, artistic resume, and names/contact information of two references. Some familiarity with the printmaking medium is required. Artists with specific printmaking projects are highly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by 11:59PM EST on the deadline date via the application form (forms.gle/WJ35tDRXoCPbaG88A). Required documents include: Up to 10 digital images of recent (past 2 years) work, an image list (your name, work title, year, medium, and dimensions), an artistic resume, and names and contact information of two references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone or email inquiries about application status, all applicants will be notified by email before the residency start date.