Each year, more than 25 emerging and mid-career artists are selected for free, year-long studio residencies in 44,000 square feet of light-filled space above Lower Manhattan. Individual studios range from 500 to 1,500 square feet with panoramic views of the city skyline.
The residency is built around sustained practice and real career acceleration. Residents receive mentorship from leading curators, collectors, and gallerists, career workshops on gallery representation and sustainable art practice, and direct exposure to the more than 10,000 curators, gallerists, collectors, and industry leaders who visit Silver Art studios each year. Alumni have gone on to show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, Art Basel, and galleries worldwide.
Artists are selected through a merit-based review by a distinguished Selection Committee of curators, museum directors, collectors, and cultural leaders, which rotates annually.
Silver Art welcomes international applicants. While the organization is unable to sponsor visas, supporting documentation and letters of invitation are provided.
Applications for the 2026–2027 residency are open March 16 through April 5, 2026. The application fee is $35. This year's application is hosted on Submit Art — the link will appear at the bottom of this page beginning March 16 at 12pm EST.
FAQs
Are applications capped at a certain number again like last year?
No cap this year — but the application window is only open for two weeks, through April 5. We review every submission.
Is there an application fee?
Yes — $35. Silver Art is a 501(c)(3) charity, and application fees help support the application reviewing and jury process.
Can I get my application fee waived?
Silver Art provides a limited number of fee waivers each cycle for artists experiencing significant financial hardship. To request a waiver, email info@silverart.org with the subject line "Fee Waiver Request — [Your Name] and include a brief paragraph describing your financial need. We ask that you only request a waiver if you are genuinely unable to cover the $35 application fee. All requests are reviewed equally, and applicants will be notified by April 3 — 48 hours before applications close if they have been approved. If you are not granted a waiver, we encourage you to apply with the standard fee if you're still interested in the residency.
Can I apply if I'm not based in New York?
Yes — we welcome applications from artists everywhere, including international applicants.
Do you sponsor visas?
We're unable to sponsor visas, but our team can provide supporting documentation and letters of invitation to assist artists in obtaining their own visas.
What do reviewers focus on most?
Your artwork. You can upload up to 5 images (minimum 3) — PDFs are optional, but encouraged.
How long does the application take?
About 5-10 minutes if you have your materials ready — artist statement, CV, and up to 5 work samples.
What are the prerequisites to apply?
There are no prerequisites to apply — just a commitment to maintain an active studio presence — generally 3 to 4 days per week — throughout the residency, if you are accepted.
Can you give me feedback on my application?
Due to conflict of interest and the sheer number of submissions, we are unable to give individual feedback on applications.
Are artists duos able to apply?
Yes.
Can I submit more than 5 works?
Submissions allow for up to 5 images. If you would like to include more works, please do so via PDF.