About The Residency

Rooted in VSW’s mission to provide support to experimental photo, film and media art artists, the goal of the Project Space Residency is to provide time, space, and resources to artists so they can create.

The 4 week residencies are open to artists at any stage of their career and take place at VSW in Rochester, NY. Project Space Residents receive 24/7 access to a private studio, digital printing equipment and an analog darkroom. They also receive a stipend of $1000, plus $250 for supplies, and a $500 travel budget for those traveling from outside the Rochester region.

We provide accessible housing for national/international artists in an apartment within walking distance to VSW. All of our Residents receive the support of VSW’s digital printing technician, program assistants, consultations with curators on staff and research support in VSW’s collections. The Project Space Residency also provides opportunities for artists to engage with the public through public lectures and Open Studios. 

Application Process

VSW welcomes applications from both U.S. based and international artists working in photography, film or media art. Proceeds from application fees contribute to administrative expenses related to the submission and review process. 

Jury Panel

Each year, a jury panel consisting of VSW staff, past resident artists and guest curators review applications to select up to 12 artists for 4-week terms and one 2-week term in August.

The call for our 2026 residencies are now closed. Look out for the call for 2027!

2026 Jury:

Leandro Villaro (Director, Penumbra Foundation),  Željka Blakšić AKA Gita Blak (Artist, Educator and former Project Space Resident, 2024), and Shana Lopes (Assistant Curator, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) are this year’s guest jurors.

Project Space Residency FAQs

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VSW Project Space Residencies are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the New York State Legislature, Monroe County, and Joy of Giving Something. Photography-based artists participating in the program receive support from the Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation.

Spring / Fall 2026 Residents