Performance AIRspace Residency

Abrons Arts Center’s Performance AIRspace Residency supports two early-career performing artists for an 18-month residency that includes a premiere of a live performance in our 2027-2028 season. With support from the Jerome Foundation, Performance AIRspace residents are provided with a commission fee, production budget, and premium access to studios for rehearsals.

• $10,000 commission fee within Year 1 for a new work to premiere at Abrons
• $5,000 presentation fee, within Year 2
• A budget for a produced premiere work, developed alongside the Abrons Programming Department
• 200 hours of fully subsidized studio rental time in any of our performance studios for Year 1 and 2.
• A public works in process sharing
• Promotional photoshoot for the project
• Photo documentation and archival video documentation of the project

Application Timeline

• Application goes live: February 2, 2026
• Application due: February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm ET (all applications not received via Submittable by this time are not eligible)
• In person interview: April 15-17, 2026
• Invitations made: May 2026
• Residency begins: September 2026

Requirements

• A practicing performing artist who identifies as “early career”
• Please read “early career” criteria as defined by the Jerome Foundation before applying
• Based in New York City and living within the 5 boroughs for the duration of the residency and have been a New York City resident for at least one year prior to program participation.
• Not in a degree granting program during the residency period
• In alignment with Abrons Arts Center’s Mission, Vision, and Values
• Conscientious and genuinely excited to create community with Abrons team members and Resident Artists
• Available to attend the required residency programs, listed below in the “Important Dates” section of the application
• A creative problem solver and a clear, respectful communicator
• Open and interested in sharing your practice and process with intergenerational learners

Application Instructions