The Museum of Arts and Design is accepting applications for its Artist Studios program. Two artists will be awarded Residencies per six-month session:
- February 15, 2027- August 15, 2027 (Cycle 46) or
- August 16, 2027- February 13, 2028 (Cycle 47)
MAD Artist Studios Program Overview
Located on the sixth floor of the Museum and open to the public, the Artist Studios at MAD is a community engagement and professional development program for contemporary artists and designers. The first of its kind, the program encourages visitors to meet artists-in-residence as they expand their creative practice while working on-site at MAD. Two artists are selected per six-month session (August—February or February—August), for which they receive access to studio space in the Museum and a stipend. Visitors are welcome to visit MAD’s Artist Studios 1-3 days each week to view works in progress and converse with the artists and designers.
The artists chosen for MAD’s Artist Studios program represent a wide range of creative practices within the fields of art, craft, and design. Established in 2008, the program has served as an important platform for more than 200 artists and designers to advance their careers and is widely recognized as an innovative model for Museum education.
Residency Benefits
The MAD Artist Studios residency supports NYC-based artists working in craft and design. Residents receive a stipend based on their on-site public schedule: $15,000 for three days per week and $10,000 for two days, along with access to a dedicated studio space in the Museum, professional development and studio visits with museum staff; additional paid public programming opportunities; interaction with Museum visitors weekly, continued engagement through the community of over 200 Artist Studios alumni; and access to MAD’s galleries, public programs, and exhibition openings.
Artists also receive a stipend for materials and mentorship, admission to paid public programs, and will join a community of more than 200 alumni.
Since its inception in 2008, the MAD Artist Studios program has supported artists from historically underrepresented communities whose work pushes the boundaries of contemporary craft. Alumni have gone on to highly regarded careers and have exhibited at MAD and other major institutions, including the Queens Museum, Whitney Museum, Brooklyn Museum, and Studio Museum, among others.
Residency Eligibility
At the time of application, Artist Studios applicants:
- Must be at least twenty-one years old.
- Must be a US citizen or legal resident of the US with a valid SSN or EIN.
Residency Expectations
MAD Residents commit to 14 or 21 public open studio hours per week on Thursdays, Fridays, and/or Saturdays from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, and/or on Wednesdays from11:00 am to 7:00pm. The daily residents’ weekly schedule will be established in conjunction with MAD’s Education Department and will remain set throughout the six-month residency. In addition to their public open studio hours during each assigned week in the Museum, Daily Residents are encouraged to utilize the studio space for private studio hours. During their weekly open studio hours, all Artist Studios residents will welcome visits from K-12 school groups facilitated in-person and virtually by paid artist-educators and public tour groups facilitated in-person by volunteer docents.
Application Process
The Artist Studios program offers three residencies per six-month session. MAD is accepting applications for the February 15, 2027- August 15, 2027 (Cycle 46) or August 16, 2027- February 13, 20278 (Cycle 47)
Artists will be selected to participate in one session and will mark which session(s) they are applying for within the application.
Applying for Multiple Residency Schedules
Artists should submit one application and indicate their preferred on-site schedule—three or two public-facing days per week—within their application materials. Applicants will be considered for all available schedules but will only be selected for one residency session.
Residency Eligibility
The MAD Artist Studios residency supports artists and designers working across craft, design, and the visual arts. The program is committed to fostering a diverse community of practitioners, with a continued focus on artists from historically underrepresented communities. It places particular emphasis on artists whose practices engage historic studio craft materials, including wood, fiber, glass, ceramics, metal, and stone, as well as those exploring new technologies.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be an artist or designer with an active studio practice working in the applied arts.
- Be a resident of the New York City metro area.
- Be at least twenty-one years old at the time of application.
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the United States with a valid SSN or EIN.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a committee of Museum staff and professionals in the fields of art, craft, and design. The strongest candidates demonstrate a mature body of work that reflects both technical skill and a developed conceptual framework. Because the Artist Studios are a vital part of the visitor experience at MAD, applicants should show a genuine readiness to engage with the public and benefit from the open studios format.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the Artist Studios in person before applying, to gain a full understanding of the space and its public-facing nature.
During the first round of review, each application is evaluated by members of the Selection Committee according to the following criteria:
Applicants should have a body of work that:
- Engages critically with the transdisciplinary fields of contemporary craft, design, art, and technology
- Demonstrates a strong conceptual framework
- Shows deep engagement with process and materials
Applicants should:
- Outline a clear direction or question to explore during the residency
- Demonstrate a readiness to engage with MAD’s visitors, teen interns, and school groups through the open studios format
- Reflect an understanding of the unique advantages and limitations of the Artist Studios space
Top-rated applications advance to review by the Selection Committee. Selected applicants are invited to interview with the Deputy Director of Education and Manager of Public Programs and Studios. Finalists’ references are contacted to assess communication and interpersonal skills. Because Artist Studios residents regularly interact with K–12 students, all selected artists must complete a background check.
Notification Process
Initial notifications will be sent in October 2026 indicating whether applicants have advanced to the final stage of consideration. Finalists will be invited to meet for a studio visit and interview with members of the Education Department in November 2026. Final determinations and offers will be made in December 2026.
Studio Facilities and Restrictions
The Artist Studios are located on the 6th floor of the Museum of Arts and Design, which is open to the public. Two studios measure approximately 200 square feet each and include a large worktable, sink, storage, and Wi-Fi access. These can be combined into one co-working space if the residents decide to do so.
Alongside the two artist studios is our Project Space. The Project Space measures about 400 square feet and is a hybrid exhibition and educational space managed by the Education Team. Residents can access the following shared equipment:
- A Skutt 1027 kiln (interior dimensions: 23” diameter × 27” tall), with kiln posts and full/half shelves
- A Brent pottery wheel
- A 22" Floor Loom
Please note the following restrictions:
- No open flames
- All hot work must be approved by the Director of Facilities
- Large or unsafe power tools (saws) are not permitted
- Toxic materials such as turpentine, certain resins, lusters, or lead-based paints are prohibited
Additional Information Visit our website for more information.
MAD provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MAD define as craft art?
MAD understands craft as both a discipline and a way of thinking. It includes artists and designers who work with traditional studio craft materials, like clay, fiber, wood, glass, and metal, as well as those who use craft-based methods in new ways, such as combining handwork with digital tools, performance, or experimental materials. Craft is defined by a deep engagement with process, materiality, and the hand, rather than by medium alone.
Can Artist Studios alumni apply for the residency again?
No, alumni are not eligible to reapply for either program at this time.
I’ve applied before but haven’t gotten in. Can I apply again? Yes!
Can I propose an exhibition or show my work at MAD as part of the residency?
No. The Artist Studios residency is not an exhibition program. It is a working studio residency that emphasizes process, material exploration, and conversations with the public. Residents may display work-in-progress in their studio and have finished work on view in the 6th-floor vitrines during their residency, but the program does not include an exhibition or proposal for MAD’s galleries.
Is there an application fee? Yes, a $5 application submission fee is collected for each application to help support the administration and ongoing operations of the residency program. As a nonprofit organization, these contributions help us sustain the resources and care required to administer the application and review process. We are committed to making this opportunity as accessible as possible. If the application fee presents a financial hardship, we encourage you to reach out to us to request a fee waiver. Please contact us at education@madmuseum.org before submitting your application, and we will be happy to work with you.
What tools and equipment will I have access to? Can I bring my own?
Each studio includes a large worktable, sink, and storage; the larger studio offers worktables and storage but no sink. All studios have Wi-Fi. Residents share access to a Skutt 1027 kiln, a Brent pottery wheel, and a selection of small hand tools. Artists may bring and store their own tools as space and safety allow.
For safety reasons:
- Open flames are not permitted.
- Any hot work must be approved in advance by the Director of Facilities.
- Large or unsafe power tools (such as saws) are not permitted.
- Toxic materials, including turpentine, certain resins, glazes, lusters, and lead-based paints, are prohibited.
Do you have a WiFi connection?
Yes.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with a valid SSN or EIN. The Museum does not provide or sponsor visas. All documentation must be valid at the time of interview and for the entire residency period. This policy is not subject to exception.
What’s the New York Metro area? Do I live there?
For eligibility purposes, the New York metro area includes the five boroughs of New York City as well as nearby counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut that are within a reasonable commuting distance to the Museum— typically those served by MTA, PATH, or NJ Transit. Applicants should be able to travel to the Museum regularly for their scheduled on-site days and regularly access their studios.
Can collective or collaborative groups apply?
Collectives are eligible to apply; All members of the collective must meet the program's eligibility requirements and be available to participate in an interview. Collectives will be paid the individual stipend.
I’m not sure if I’m considered part of a historically underrepresented community?
Identity and experience are complex, and applicants are encouraged to determine for themselves whether this description reflects their experience and practice.
What are the residency dates and duration?
Each residency session lasts six months. Selected artists coordinate their start and on-site schedule (two or three public-facing days per week) with program staff before the session begins.
How will my artwork be presented?
Residents have at least one example of their work displayed on the 6th floor at all times. This work is locked behind glass in a vitrine. Residents are featured on the Museum website and social media channels.
Can I work on anything I want during the residency?
Artists are expected to focus on the project proposed in their application, but may allow the work to evolve naturally during the residency.
Does the museum pay for travel costs or provide housing stipends?
No.
If I’m selected, will I have to pay taxes on my stipend?
Yes, Artist Studios residents are one-time independent contractors and are responsible for any local, state, or federal taxes.
What happens after the residency ends?
Residents join a growing community of more than 200 Artist Studios alumni, with continued opportunities for engagement through workshops, programs, exhibitions, and MAD’s professional network.
For any questions or concerns not addressed in the “FAQ” section, please email education@madmuseum.org