Performing Artist-In-Residence Program

The Museum of Chinese in America’s 2025 Performing-Artist-in-Residence Program will select a cohort of three performing artists, each of whom will create one new, theme-based project utilizing MOCA’s resources and collections. Throughout their residency, artists will participate in artist-led workshops and will present their work-in-progress publicly at the program’s conclusion.

THEME: Declaration of Independence 獨立宣言

Requirements

• Open to all Performing Artists: disciplines include but not limited to dance, music, theatre, performance art, spoken words and film
• Artists self-identify as Asian/Chinese American or Asian/Chinese immigrant with a goal of continuing their career in the United States
• Artists must be a resident in New York City metropolitan area
• Artists must be 25 or over and cannot enroll in any degree program of any kind
• Both traditional and contemporary performing arts are welcome
• Artists must be available for all the required dates to apply (see program requirements)

Application Instructions

Application Materials
1. Artist Statement (required, 250 words maximum): A short concise statement giving an overview of your artistic practice. This should be a brief introduction to ideas, themes and methods in your practice.
2. Cultural Statement (required, 250 words maximum): A short concise statement giving an overview of the cultural impact in your practice. Describe what cultural or historical context that inspires you as a performing artist, and how your body of work responds to it.
3. Project Statement (required, 400 words maximum): A concise statement giving a clear concept for the project you are hoping to generate based on the theme, and how MOCA’s collection and resources will be helpful for the project. Describe how you will utilize your time during residency.
4. Workshop Leader Proposal (required): Thinking about the theme and about my artistic practice, I would like to discuss/lead or see a panel on/share my artistic practice that I find useful (150 words maximum); I would like to share my knowledge about certain artistic practices and techniques (150 words maximum); In addition, I would like to explore this part of history (150 words max).
5. CV/Resume
6. Work Sample: Please use your work samples to demonstrate your overall artistic mission and the thematic or stylistic cohesion across your body of work. You may submit materials in any of the following formats:
Images: Up to 5
Audio: Up to 3 songs (each no longer than 3 minutes)
Video: Up to 10 minutes of performance footage (please note: trailers are not accepted)
Writing: Up to 10 pages of a written sample

Choose materials that best reflect your vision, approach, and artistic growth.