Artist In Residence

Dancers Unlimited is providing 2 types of paid Artist Residency opportunities for a total of 8 artists. The program provides visual and performing artists with dedicated time, space, and resources to focus on developing new work, research, or collaborations in a close-knit island community. The two types of AIR programs are:

Collaborative Track
2 visual / performing artists or arts collectives are awarded a 6-month residency, for the full duration of the Organizational Residency on Governors Island. The Collaborative Track focuses on collaborations with other artists in residence and Dancers Unlimited community partners to explore OiR theme and concepts. The residency focuses heavily on a collaborative creative experience that expands artistic boundaries while bringing together voices and practices from Pacific and Caribbean Island cultures. Key commitments include:
Residency Dates: May 11, 2026 – October 31, 2026; move-in/out dates to be confirmed by April 15, 2026
Support & Amenities: private studio space, limited tech capacity (projector and speaker), exhibition space, Material for the Arts access (by appointments only) and stipend: $1500 (paid in 2 installments)
Focus: Allows artists to work collaboratively, take risks, and pursue new ideas
Community Engagement: Open studio and/or workshops at the monthly Open House events on 3rd Saturdays (6 events), 1 artist talk, and 1 work in progress showing in October.

Exploration Track
3 visual / performing artists or arts collectives are awarded a 2.5-month residency for each of the Exploration Cohorts. The Exploration Track focuses on creating new works, or expanding upon existing works, that explore thematic concepts that celebrate and honor Pacific and Caribbean Island cultures and histories. Collaborations are welcome but not required. Key commitments include:
Residency Dates: Cohort 1: May 11, 2026 – July 19, 2026; Cohort 2: August 1st, 2026 – October 18, 2026; move-in/out dates to be confirmed by April 15, 2026 for Cohort 1 and April 30, 2026 for Cohort 2
Support & Amenities: private studio space, limited tech capacity (projector and speaker), exhibition space, Material for the Arts access (by appointments only) and stipend: $800 (paid in 2 installments)
Focus: Allows artists to work independently, take risks, and pursue new ideas
Community Engagement: Open studio and/or workshops at the monthly Open House events on third Saturdays (3 events), 1 artist talk, and 1 work in progress showing in July (Cohort 1) and October (Cohort 2).

Submissions must be received by April 3.

Application Instructions