Project Space Residency 2027

Visual Studies Workshop (VSW) is a Rochester, New York non-profit that has supported photography, film, and media art for over five decades — the organization is closely associated with the history of photography education and experimental practice in upstate New York. The Project Space Residency is VSW's program for visiting artists, hosted at the workshop's facility at 36 King Street.

Residencies run four weeks, and the 2027 cycle accepts up to 12 residents across the year. Each resident receives a $1,000 stipend plus $250 for supplies. Non-Rochester residents receive an additional $500 travel budget, with accessible housing in an apartment within walking distance of the workshop.

On-site, residents have 24/7 access to a private studio, the workshop's analog darkroom, and digital printing equipment. Support includes a digital printing technician, program assistants, curator consultations, and access to VSW's research collection — one of the more extensive media-art archives in the United States.

Eligibility is open globally to artists working in photography, film, or media art at any career stage. The 2026 jury panel for selecting 2027 residents comprises Aspen Mays (artist, California College of Art), Le'Andra LeSeur (artist, Tulsa Artist Fellow), and Nando Alvarez-Perez (Editor-in-Chief, Cornelia Magazine), alongside VSW staff.

Application fee is $10, with waivers available on request to herneasedavis@vsw.org. Applications are made through Submittable. The 2026 application window opens March 30 and closes May 18 at 11:59 PM ET; results announced late June.