ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE 

At Governors Island, New York 2026

Artists accepted in 2025 Residency Program cannot Apply for 2026. 

NYLAAT

Application Period:

November 15, 2025 – February 15, 2026

Residency Dates for 2026

The NYLAAT Residency Program on Governors Island will be held during the following three periods in 2026:

• May 9th – June 28th
• July 4th – August 30th
• September 5th – November 1st

Applicants are strongly encouraged to select two or all three sessions according to their availability and flexibility.

This will help the jury build a balanced and inclusive residency schedule.

Please note that selecting only one date may reduce your chances of being placed, as some sessions receive significantly more applications than others.

Application Fee: $40

The New York Latin American Art Triennial (NYLAAT) Artist Residency Program is process-based, with the expectation or promise of a final exhibition of the work. The program provides artists, designers and creative thinkers time, space and a supportive community in which to develop ideas and focus on their artistic direction. In addition to our time-honored studio residencies, a variety of innovative professional immersion program provide opportunities for artists to explore new areas of social and technological practice and engage critically within their field. A unique combination of creative and professional resources provides a rich environment for growth and opportunity in the current, vibrant art scene.

ELIGIBILITY:

– Artists must be 18+ years of age.
– Artists must not be currently enrolled in an institutional program of study, including instructional museum programs, full or part-time
– Artists of all visual, literary, music, dance, performance or media arts disciplines may apply.
– Artists working in most media will be considered.
– Artists must be comfortable working in an open studio setting where the public is able to interact with the artist during public hours and work in an engaging environment . 
– Artists that are engaged in the areas of history, climate, performance, architecture, urban space, social and environmental justice, agriculture/horticulture or another field relevant to the context of the Island.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

– Proven artistic merit, as seen through work samples, artist bio/resume, and past publicity.
– Feasibility of the completion of the project as proposed.

ARTIST INFORMATION:

– Artists will be selected for each residency period (2 months each period).   
– Artists must be committed to work a minimum of 20 hours a week (Friday-Sunday) during hours that will be agreed upon by the resident artist and PTM Contemporary.
– Artists are required to present their work in progress at the end of the residency period through one culminating event.

THE RESIDENCY OFFERS:
Residency participants will be provided the following basic amenities:
– Access to free, temporary, work space for 2 months.
– Semi-private studios.
– Basic overhead lighting.
– Electricity.
– Tables and Chairs.

In addition, all residency participants will be offered:
– Opportunities for professional development, group sharing and peer critique.
– Opportunities to share work in-person with the public during the residency at scheduled Open Studios moments.
– Access to PTM and NYLAAT’s publicity and marketing efforts via its website, e-blasts, and social media channels.

Please note:
– There is NO stipend offered as part of the opportunity.
– Studios facilities do not offer access to medium- or technique-specific amenities such as a woodshop, print or media lab, or a large rehearsal space.
– Artists must provide and transport their own supplies and tools; restrictions apply.
– Participants will be required to observe mandatory COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
– The program and the organizers are not responsible for visas, travel arrangements, and accommodations/lodging for the applicants.

HOW TO APPLY:

– Artist Statement.

– Artist’s Biography.

– Artist ‘s CV.

– Images of Recent Works.

– Artists can choose the preferred dates for the residency (OPTIONAL).

– $40 Application Fee for administrative cost.

EXHIBITION AND WORKING SPACE CONDITIONS:

The historic houses were built in the late 1900 to house military officers and their families during the Island’s history as a base for the U.S. Army and, later, the Coast Guard. Given their delicate nature, the spaces are best suited to creative practices that do not involve heavy production or large equipment. Spaces are delivered to selected organizations as-is and have working but limited electricity. Spaces currently have no access to running water, working restrooms or heating and cooling systems. Restroom facilities and drinking fountains are located within a five-minute walk from the houses.

GALLERY AND WORK SPACES TOURS:

Every two weeks will conduct a Gallery Tour and Work Space Visits. These visits and tours allow for a unique opportunity to present and experience contemporary artwork within a work-space environment. The presence of artists’ studios also allows for further dialogue and exchange between artists and the visitors.

EXHIBITIONS:

As part of the NYLAAT-PTM Contemporary Artist Residency Program, at the end of every residency period the program presents exhibitions/open studio that include the works of the residency cohort in turn. These exhibitions, held at each artist’s space showcase pieces that were created during their time at Governors Island. For these final open studio we encourage residents to experiment and frame the space, as one that invites collaborations, new explorations, and ideas that wouldn’t normally be presented at a regular commercial gallery space

Winning entries will be announced on Febrary 25, 2026, will also receive staff and promotional support, and will be part of the PTM Contemporary / NYLAAT Governors Island 2025 Artists-in-Residence season.