The program is open to visual and interdisciplinary artists nationwide. Applicants are typically late-emerging or early mid-career. This means they should have a track record of creating and exhibiting work, as well as leading community-engaged projects. An example exhibition history might include: a museum solo exhibition or several group museum exhibitions, a solo commercial gallery exhibition(s), or other form of public engagement. The application will ask you to share examples of this history.

For the community engagement aspects of this residency, selected applicants must comply with all federal, state, and local laws around permitting and contractual obligations. 

Employees of Project for Empty Space and/or selection panel members are ineligible to apply.

You can apply through our Submittable page here.

Studios are located at 800 Broad Street in Downtown Newark, NJ, within our primary artist hub. This building houses over  40 artist studios, including those of current and past residents and local artists.

• Studio sizes: 350–425 sq ft

• 24/7 access

• Central heat and AC

• Overhead lighting (some studios include windows)

• High-speed internet

• Close to public transportation

PES does not provide housing accommodations for artists who relocate or commute to Newark for the residency. Selected artists are responsible for arranging their own living accommodations and transportation during the two-year program.

PES offers on-site and off-site resources to support artistic practice and professional growth. On-site, artists can access the PES Library, Risograph Printing Lab, Obscura Darkroom, and an audio studio. Off-site, partnerships with local organizations provide access to photography studios, form design, video/audio production and access/support with archival research.

In addition, PES provides robust professional development opportunities, including free online and in-person workshops, the Visiting Professionals Program (bringing curators, organizers, writers, and collectors for studio visits), and an annual Open Studio Day to connect artists with broader audiences.

Each artist receives an unrestricted honorarium to support their practice throughout the two-year residency. The funds may be used at the artist’s discretion — whether for materials, project development, travel, research, or living expenses — offering flexibility to meet individual needs.

An additional stipend is available to cover materials and services related to the exhibition. These funds are restricted and may be used either through purchases made directly by PES or reimbursed to the artist upon submission of valid receipts.

Artists are expected to work consistently in their studios, balancing independent practice with community engagement projects. The residency is designed for sustained, two-year involvement. 

Throughout the two-year time commitment, there will be bi-monthly check-ins with PES Co-Directors & Curators, and studio visits set up with visiting professionals that the artist will be expected to be a part of in person.

Community engagement can take many forms, such as workshops, artist talks, collaborative projects, or public programs connected to your artistic practice. The goal is to create meaningful connections between your work and the Newark community.

• Application Deadline: October 6, 2025

• Notifications: December 1, 2025

• Residency Start: January 12, 2026

Applications are reviewed by a jury composed of PES stakeholders, a local arts professional, and a past Artist in Residence, ensuring a range of perspectives and expertise.

Visit our residency webpage here or email info@projectforemptyspace.org.