KEYHOLE WORKSPACE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE FALL ‘26 APPLICATION

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED JULY 1- JULY 31, 2026
email aburg@elycenter.org for any questions

This application is for artists living in New Haven and the Greater New Haven Area to apply to our 4 month Keyhole Workspace Artist-in-Residence Program (September-December 2026) followed by a solo exhibition in our gallery space.* 

Each cohort is made up of 3 artists. Each artist is given their own studio space and a small monetary stipend to go towards material costs.**

Throughout the 4 months of the residency art professionals (curators, critics, etc) visit and offer feedback. These meetings are casual and include a family style meal.

Each artist must agree to spend 15 hours a week in their studio and make themselves available for events such as Open Studio, gallery receptions etc.***

The Fall '26 cohort's theme is “Meeting the Moment.”
We are inviting artists to respond to current social, political, and cultural conditions.

Applications require:
5 work samples
an artist statement
a statement of intent in regards to the theme
a proposal for a community engagement project
3 references

Applications are reviewed by a panel consisting of the gallery director (Aimée Burg), a board member (Clara Nartey), and an invited member of our community (Paul Theriault) to ensure rigor and equity in selection.

This studio is work space only. Artists must have their own separate housing.

Artists must agree to create and donate one work of art to the Ely Center of Contemporary Art to be used in future fundraising events and/or future permanent collections.

*The culminating exhibition is planned to be held at 162 James Street in January 2027; however dates and location are subject to change. 

**Each studio is approximately 100 sq feet with no natural light. There is extra space for artists to spread out as needed. If you have never been to this location, we suggest a visit! Please take this into consideration when thinking about your Statement of Intent. 

***This Fall 2026 Open Studios will be held on October 3 & 4.

To See Past Cohorts click HERE