Pioneer Works Open Call for Visual Arts and Music Residency 2027

Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, New York opens its annual residency to visual artists and musicians from anywhere in the world. Rooted in the ethos of the "Museum of the Working Artist," Pioneer Works is committed to giving emerging and mid-career creatives a real place to work — not just a title.

Each year, 12 Visual Arts Residents and 12 Music Residents are selected through an open call and jury process. Visual Arts residencies run for 5 months; Music residencies for 1 month. Both come with free studio space, access to a well-equipped facilities suite (including risograph printer, darkroom, ceramics studio, large format and 3D printers, thermobinder, and laser cutter), and biweekly studio visits with curators, gallerists, critics, and working artists.

Visual Arts residents receive a one-time $5,000 financial award; Music residents receive $3,000. These include a $2,500 honorarium plus $500 per month of residency, and can be used however the artist chooses.

Pioneer Works actively seeks artists who work outside the norms of their field and who would genuinely benefit from the organisation's public-facing, collaborative culture. Collectives are welcome to apply, though resources including the honorarium are shared. Current students and programme alumni are not eligible.

The application is reviewed in two phases: an internal staff assessment scoring technical ability, originality, and potential — with special consideration for non-traditional career paths — followed by an external jury of art professionals and alumni who evaluate semifinalists for diversity of demographics and media, genuine need for studio space, and fit with Pioneer Works' culture.

Note: Pioneer Works cannot assist with housing, travel, or visa sponsorship for international applicants. All applicants will be notified of outcomes by late September.

For questions not covered in the FAQs, contact residency@pioneerworks.org.